Greetings to all fellow seekers of healing and self-discovery!
As a faculty member of Biodynamic Breathwork, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of trauma on the human spirit and body. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), affecting roughly 6-8%of people at some point in their lives, is more than a diagnosis—it’s a lived experience of carrying trauma’s weight. Through the stories of my students and the lens of neuroscience, I’ve seen how PTSD reshapes the brain and how Biodynamic Breathwork offers a path to healing.
Stories of Trauma
In my workshops, I’ve worked with students whose lives have been upended by trauma. One, a veteran named Mark, described reliving the chaos of war through relentless flashback safter returning home. Another, Sarah, a car accident survivor, spoke of paralyzing anxiety that made driving impossible. Then there was Lena, whose prolonged exposure to a toxic work environment left her emotionally numb, avoiding relationships to escape pain. These stories echo the hallmarks of PTSD: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood shifts, and hyperarousal. For each, the trauma wasn’t just emotional—it was etched into their bodies and brains.
The Science of PTSD
PTSD arises when the brain’s stress response, designed to protect us, becomes stuck. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which releases cortisol to manage stress, often malfunctions in PTSD, leading to irregular cortisol levels that fail to calm the nervous system. Neuroimaging studies reveal key brain regions affected: the amygdala, hyperactive and amplifying fear; the hippocampus, often reduced in volume, impairing memory and context processing; and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), less active, weakening emotional regulation. The insula, tied to bodily sensations, can heighten awareness of physical distress, triggering panic. These changes explain why Mark’s heart raced at loud noises, why Sarah froze at the sight of a car, or why Lena felt disconnected. Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine also shift, contributing to mood swings and hypervigilance. Genetic predispositions and environmental stressors, like childhood adversity, increase vulnerability. Yet, the brain’s plasticity offers hope, and this is where Biodynamic Breathwork shines.
Biodynamic Breathwork: A Path to Healing
Biodynamic Breathwork, which I teach, integrates deep, conscious breathing with movement and body awareness to release stored trauma. Unlike talk therapies, it directly engages the body’s nervous system, helping students like Mark, Sarah, and Lena reconnect with themselves. The practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, countering the overactive fight-or-flight response. By guiding rhythmic breathing, we help calm the amygdala’s hyperactivity, allowing the PFC to regain control. Over time, students report fewer flashbacks and greater emotional resilience. Mark, for instance, found that breathwork sessions helped him “feel safe in my body again,” reducing his nightmares. Sarah used the practice to process her accident, gradually regaining confidence behind the wheel. Lena discovered that breathwork softened her emotional numbness, helping her rebuild trust in relationships. Scientific studies support this: breathwork can lower cortisol levels and enhance neuroplasticity, fostering new neural pathways for healing.
The Anatomy of Recovery
The brain’s fear circuitry—amygdala, hippocampus, PFC—can be rewired. Biodynamic Breathwork complements therapies like CBT or EMDR by addressing trauma stored in the body. As students breathe through tension, they release physical and emotional blockages, aligning with findings that body-based interventions reduce insula hyperactivity and restore balance. Emerging research on breathwork suggests it boosts oxytocin, promoting trust and connection, which was vital for Lena’s recovery.
A Personal Reflection
Seeing my students reclaim their lives inspires me. PTSD is a neurobiological wound, but it’s not permanent. By blending science with practices like Biodynamic Breathwork, we honor both the brain’s complexity and the body’s wisdom. For Mark, Sarah, Lena, and countless others, healing is possible—not just in theory, but in their breath, their stories, and their renewed sense of hope.
With heartfelt compassion and dedication,
Nisarga Eryk Dobosz - BBTRS, BCST, CI, MER, LOMI
