Could many of us be breathing incorrectly? A growing movement led by Thai physician Dr. emor Kopira suggests the answer is yes, and is offering a solution through “Breathwork” – a practice gaining traction for its potential to reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing, and even bolster the immune system. Dr. Kopira, a globally recognized expert in the field and author of The Exploratory Mind and The Worldwide Breath, is bringing this ancient practice to the forefront with her innovative MINDAI™ Breathing technique.
Many people may not realize they aren’t breathing correctly, and the consequences can be significant. Dr. Emor Kopira, a Thai physician, is offering classes in mindful breathing, known as ‘Breathwork,’ to promote healing, reduce stress, alleviate depression, and bolster the immune system.
Dr. Kopira has extensive experience in public health and a deep understanding of Buddhist psychology, and is a globally recognized expert in Breathwork Meditation. Her classes are gaining traction as a powerful trend in holistic health and mental wellbeing.
Dr. Kopira is also the author of the bestselling books The Exploratory Mind and The Universal Breath, which explore the power of breathwork as a tool for transformation. She introduces MINDAI™ Breathing, a technique inspired by the work of Dr. Stan Grof, designed to facilitate emotional release, self-discovery, and personal growth. She also recognizes the urgent need for innovative mental health solutions across Thai society.
We spoke with Dr. Kopira about the practice of mindful breathing, what it means to “breathe correctly,” and how Breathwork can aid in healing emotional wounds, building resilience, and promoting a longer, healthier life.
- People breathe instinctively. What does it mean to not breathe “correctly”?
“We’ve been breathing since birth, but there’s a difference between breathing correctly and incorrectly, and even simply forgetting to breathe. Sometimes people sit and unconsciously hold their breath. It’s not necessarily that we’re breathing *wrong*, but that we aren’t maximizing the benefits.”
“We need to understand that breathing in the abdomen involves a sensation in the stomach, and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system – a system we have some control over. Most of our muscular systems aren’t autonomic; we need to move, like walking, to initiate action. But the heart beats on its own.
Breathing is one of the only autonomic systems we can consciously influence. The very first thing we do after birth is breathe, and without it, we wouldn’t survive. While in the womb, we receive oxygen and nourishment from the mother through the placenta, and our lungs aren’t functioning. When we’re born, doctors stimulate the lungs to breathe and provide oxygen.
Humans take their first breath to begin life, and their last breath marks the end of physical existence. Breathing is fundamentally important, yet we often overlook its significance, because it happens automatically. We’ve never been formally trained in how to breathe effectively.
“However, in spiritual and religious practices, like Buddhism, mindful breathing is central. Practices like Vipassana and Pranayama – the concept of ‘Chi’ or ‘life force’ – are found in every culture and language. Breathing is the first thing we have at birth and the last thing we do in life, but we’re rarely taught how to do it properly. If mothers taught their children how to breathe, it would be incredibly powerful.”
- What does incorrect or forgotten breathing look like?
“People who don’t practice mindful breathing often hold their breath – they simply forget to breathe. It happens. But intentional breath-holding is different. How breathing relates to health is crucial, as the brain and body rely on a constant operation system.”
“The brain, though only 2% of body weight, uses 20% of the body’s oxygen and nutrients. When we breathe, we exchange gases – oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide – all of which nourish the brain. If we’re using a lot of brainpower, we need to ensure it’s getting enough oxygen.”
- What are the benefits of breathing more than the brain uses?
“That means breathing deeply. Most people who say they ‘forget’ to breathe are taking shallow breaths that don’t fully fill the lungs. Our lungs extend down to the base of the spine. Deep breathing expands the lungs. If parents and teachers taught children to breathe deeply, it would be incredibly beneficial. A curriculum focused on breathing should be standard practice.”
“Breathing deeply provides more oxygen to the brain, sharpening thinking, boosting creativity, and improving clarity.”
A Breathwork class
- How can correct breathing help treat illness?
“When we inhale oxygen, it draws toxins out of the body as carbon dioxide. The question is, where is the correct place to breathe? Breathing as deeply as possible fills the lungs, reaching the diaphragm – the thin muscle separating the lungs.
Medically, this is called diaphragmatic breathing. When patients practice strengthening the diaphragm, it allows more air into the lungs, reducing stress and resetting the vagus nerve, which is often activated during stressful or startling situations. Deep breathing can help reset this system.”
- How many different methods of breathing are there?
“There are over ten different methods. My book, Universal Breath, details the many different types of breathing. People often don’t realize how shallow or deep their breathing is, so timing can be helpful. For example, some people breathe deeply for four seconds, others for six, eight, or even ten. Then they exhale, or hold their breath for a couple of seconds before exhaling for ten seconds.
“People who meditate often breathe more slowly. If someone wants to improve their health, they can try reducing their breathing rate to 12 breaths per minute, or even 10. Slow breathing helps oxygenate every cell and balance the body’s pH levels, improving nervous system function. This is similar to ancient practices like Qigong and Yoga.”
- How does breathwork in a class setting help with healing?
“Breathwork should be an integrative program that is safe and doesn’t rely on medication. In the U.S., many people with mental health challenges are turning to breathwork as an alternative to medication.
It involves diaphragmatic breathing, or slow breathing, to prevent illness and promote wellbeing. Medically, this is known as Holotropic Breathwork, which has been researched for its ability to help people revisit past experiences. The experience varies from person to person, depending on their memories and experiences.
“In a Breathwork class – lying down with headphones playing upbeat music, breathing deeply through the nose and exhaling through the mouth – participants can revisit past experiences, both positive and negative. Some people cry tears of joy, while others revisit painful memories. Breathwork isn’t hypnosis, but it allows people to express themselves. A holistic practitioner will help navigate these feelings as they arise.
“For example, I revisited a time when I didn’t get into medical school at Mahidol University, missing the acceptance by just one point. But now, I don’t feel the same pain. Someone who has experienced heartbreak might revisit that pain, but Breathwork allows them to process it.”
“This practice can stimulate hormone production, increasing serotonin levels and potentially preventing depression. It can also help manage conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some people come to class wanting to avoid lifelong medication, and we help them practice techniques to achieve that.”
“For individuals with bipolar disorder, it can be used, but it’s important to consider whether they are already receiving medical treatment or medication. Similarly, those who have survived suicide attempts and are dealing with depression require a combined approach with medical care.”
- How can Breathwork be used for wellness?
“In the business world, CEOs are using it to improve clarity and foster creativity. They aren’t necessarily ill, but want to leverage it for work. Younger generations are interested in longevity and mental wellness, seeking to enhance brain function and efficiency.”
“Currently, we work with three groups: those seeking healing, such as in Bhutan, where we treat people struggling with alcohol addiction and high stress; those focused on self-exploration, who are already successful and want to live more fulfilling lives; and leaders who want to develop visionary leadership skills at the national, village, school, or hotel level. Mentally, this builds mindfulness and creates a more enjoyable and successful work environment, fostering innovation and creativity.”
