Somatic & trauma-informed

The Release Wave

Advanced

Strong emotional release breathing

15 min
Begin

Advanced practice for experienced practitioners. Go slowly, stay aware of your body, and leave time to ground afterward.

held released

Source current

Full, open-mouth breathing combined with sound and movement lets the body discharge emotional charge that words cannot reach. Inspired by cathartic and somatic release approaches, this practice moves through buildup, peak, and settling. Strong and intentional — have space to move, and if possible, someone nearby.

The science behind it
Somatic and trauma-informed breathwork prioritizes felt safety, small doses, and choice. Extended exhale and gentle sighing recruit the parasympathetic system; grounding through contact (feet, seat) gives the brain orienting cues.

The goal is not maximal breath volume but completion of interrupted stress responses: letting the body discharge a little tension without flooding.
Sources and references
  • Book

    Waking the Tiger

    Peter A. Levine

    Foundational somatic experiencing perspective.

  • Website

    Somatic Experiencing

    Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute

    Approach, training, and resources.

  • Article

    Trauma-informed breathwork principles

    Psychology Today

    Window of tolerance and titration in breath practices.

Breathing rhythm

Activation
4 min
Inhale
3s
Hold
0s
Exhale
3s
Pause
0s

Connected mouth breath. Let the body warm up.

Release
6 min
Inhale
2s
Hold
0s
Exhale
2s
Pause
0s

Add sound on exhale: sigh, moan, or ah. Let it be honest.

Integration
5 min
Inhale
5s
Hold
0s
Exhale
10s
Pause
0s

Slow nose breathing. Feel the body after the wave.

Strong connected breath with vocal exhale, then long integration.

How to practice

  1. Choose a private space where sound is welcome.
  2. Breathe connected through the mouth.
  3. On exhale, let sound come: sighs, groans, or soft cries.
  4. Do not perform. Let the body lead.
  5. If it feels too much, slow down and open your eyes.
  6. End with slow nose breath and stillness.
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