Somatic Breathing Well Series: Workshop 2 – Preparing the Structures to Breathe Well

This is the second workshop in the “The Breathing Well Series”.

In the second workshop, the emphasis shifts from understanding breathing structures to preparing them to function more smoothly.

Breathing relies on the mobility of the rib cage, the responsiveness of the abdominal wall and the freedom of the thoracic spine.

When these areas are restricted, collapsed, or held in constant tension, the mechanics of breathing are affected, and the diaphragm cannot move efficiently.

In this session, we explore:

• How the ribs expand and return through the action of the intercostal muscles, and the secondary respiratory muscles, helping the rib cage remain elastic rather than rigid.
• The abdominal wall, clarifying the difference between supportive tone and habitual gripping.
• The role of the thoracic spine, whose mobility is essential for allowing the ribs and diaphragm to move freely.
• Breathing as a pressure system involving the diaphragm, rib cage, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor.

The practical work includes gentle somatic and mindful yoga techniques that promote mobility in the thoracic and upper body while supporting the abdominal cavity and accessory breathing muscles.

The breathing practice introduces rhythmic breathing patterns that encourage expansion and resilience while supporting coherence and balance.

It also involves interoception and meditative breath awareness skills to foster the correct breathing patterns.

This workshop continues the series’ progression by focusing on one essential principle: when mobility and support are balanced, breathing becomes easier and more efficient.

About The Breathing Well Series:

Understanding the structures. Preparing the body. Refining the breath.

This series of three breathwork masterclasses explores breathing in a human, practical, and calm manner, helping participants understand how breathing works and how to approach their body through the breath.

The title “Breathing Well” indicates function, connection, and regulation rather than performance. It suggests ease, efficiency, calm and clarity.

It avoids technical jargon yet remains grounded in practical anatomy and physiology. At the same time, it allows space for the depth of traditional pranayama and modern breathwork techniques without being esoteric or inaccessible.

This three-part online series is organised progressively, and each two-hour workshop builds on the previous one. However, it is also possible to attend each session independently.

In a nutshell:

Workshop 1 – Understanding the Architecture of Breathing
Structure and anatomy, a somatic approach to the breath, the mechanics of breathing, and connection with the breath.

Workshop 2 – Preparing the Structures to Breathe Well
Somatic and therapeutic strategies and bodywork to care for the main respiratory structures, restoring and improving the mobility of the diaphragm and rib cage.

Workshop 3 – Functional Breathing and Preparation for Breathwork and Pranayama
Practice of breathing techniques, both traditional and modern, including exercises involving the nose, throat and abdomen, with a focus on preparing these areas for safe and effective practice and understanding their role in wellbeing.

The focus throughout this series is on experiential learning and self-practice.

Participants will not only learn about the structures of breathing, but also feel, observe, and understand how to prepare them safely for their own practice and for guiding others.

The series is welcoming and assumes no previous experience. It is not intended as teacher training, but it will be useful for complete beginners wanting to understand their breath and for teachers seeking to refine how they guide others.

This course also provides a glimpse into the 60-hour and 100-hour programmes starting in October 2026 and running over four months.

Together, these three workshops provide a clear progression: first, understanding the structures of breathing, then preparing the body that supports them, and finally refining the breath through safe and accessible practices.