Breathwork is an umbrella term for techniques that deliberately change the rate, depth and rhythm of breathing. Breathing is the only autonomic function we can easily control at will, which makes it a direct lever on the autonomic nervous system: slow breathing tends to increase parasympathetic (vagal) activity, while fast breathing activates the sympathetic system.
I teach two distinct approaches: DEEP RELAXATION BREATHWORK, a gentle and calming practice, and PSYCHEDELIC BREATH®, an intensive and activating technique.
A gentle practice designed to calm the nervous system. Slow breathing with extended exhalations, for example diaphragmatic breathing, Viloma and box breathing, is associated with higher heart rate variability, a marker of parasympathetic activity, and with lower self-reported stress (Zaccaro et al., 2018).
A session combines gentle somatic movement, breathing techniques, a short meditation and an extended resting phase in shavasana, accompanied by music and red light. There is no fast or intense breathing, so the practice is suitable for almost everyone.
PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® is a structured high-ventilation breathwork technique that can induce non-ordinary states of consciousness without any substances. A session follows a fixed sequence: warm-up breathing, a shared intention, an introduction to the technique and its effects, several cycles of fast rhythmic breathing and breath retention accompanied by music, a resting phase in shavasana and an optional sharing round.
Physiologically, fast rhythmic breathing lowers the carbon dioxide level in the blood (hypocapnia), increases heart rate and triggers the release of adrenaline. This can cause tingling, changes in body temperature and altered perception. During breath retention, carbon dioxide rises again and heart rate slows down, which many participants experience as deep calm.
Participants commonly report meditative states, a quieter inner critic and easier access to emotions. Research on high-ventilation breathwork is still young, but a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found small to medium effects of breathwork on self-reported stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms (Fincham et al., 2023).
No. Both approaches are beginner-friendly. I guide you step by step, and you can reduce the intensity or return to normal breathing at any time.
Deep Relaxation Breathwork is gentle and suitable for almost everyone.
PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® is an intensive technique and is not recommended if you are pregnant or have epilepsy, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, clinical anxiety, glaucoma, a recent surgery, or a history of psychosis or severe mental illness. By joining a PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® session, you confirm that none of these apply to you. If you are unsure, please consult your doctor and contact me before booking.
No. Breathwork can complement psychological support, but it does not replace psychotherapy or medical treatment. If you are looking for a psychotherapist, you can search for one on therapie.de. In an emergency, please call 112.
DEEP RELAXATION: BREATHWORK & RED LIGHT takes place every Friday at 8:30 PM at Open Studio Charlottenburg, Kurfürstendamm 210, Berlin. The 60-minute class follows a fixed structure: arrival, gentle somatic movement, calming breathing techniques, a short meditation and an extended resting phase in shavasana with music and red light.
Red light creates a warm, low-stimulus environment that makes it easier to close your eyes and turn your attention inward. In addition, red and near-infrared light (photobiomodulation) is being studied for its effects on cellular energy metabolism and skin regeneration. The evidence is promising but still developing.
At Genezarethkirche in Neukölln, I guide PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® sessions together with Kalea Music. The evening starts with an opening circle, an introduction to the technique and safety guidelines, and a warm-up. This is followed by about one hour of rhythmic breathing cycles with breath retention, accompanied by an immersive soundscape. We close with a resting phase in shavasana and then move into a dance session. You get a discount when you book together with a friend.
Yes. At Ōsmos Studio in Neukölln, I host PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® sessions in small groups: one hour of guided breathwork with immersive sound. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, or you can join through Urban Sports Club with a €15 add-on.
Yes. I hold sessions at studios, events and festivals worldwide, such as Ozora Festival in Hungary, Omana Festival in Greece and Bonanza Festival in Colombia. I also speak about breathing, stress regulation and resilience, for example at the Forever Young Summit 2027 in Stuttgart. For requests, write to hi@thehealingberlin.com.
You can book via Eversports, Eventbrite or Urban Sports Club, or just drop in on-site and pay cash. For reservations or questions, write to hi@thehealingberlin.com.
Yes. I offer individual sessions at Ōsmos Studio, Okerstraße 38, 12049 Berlin Neukölln, or online. If you are not sure yet whether a session is right for you, book a free introductory call via cal.com/roxana-junczyk.
Sessions are held in English or German.
Wear comfortable clothes that let you sit and lie on the floor. Bring a blanket or scarf to keep warm, something to drink and, if you like, a towel or yoga mat. At the events, a carpet and meditation cushions are provided. Please avoid heavy meals 1.5 hours before the session.
For PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® events, doors open about 30 minutes before the start. Please arrive on time, as there is no entry once the session has started.
PSYCHEDELIC BREATH® events are open to participants aged 16 and over.
Yes. Gift vouchers are available for a group or 1:1 session, online or in person at Ōsmos Studio, in English or German. You receive a digital PDF voucher. Write to hi@thehealingberlin.com to order one.
If you need to reschedule or cancel a 1:1 session, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance and we will find a new date. Sessions cancelled later than 48 hours in advance cannot be refunded or rescheduled. Event tickets can be refunded up to 7 days before the event.
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Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J., & Cavanagh, K. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 13, 432.
Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353.
