Anika Adrian: a beginner’s guide to breathwork

Canada-born, Ibiza-based breathwork practitioner, Anika Adrian had her first introduction into the world of wellbeing via plant medicines, and it was this that kickstarted her magnetism towards the natural chemistry of life. As such, she's been on adventures, exploring the forests of Brazil to deepen her understanding and awareness of our bodies, the world around us, and the interrelation between the elements. Fascinated by the unseen, this is where the magic begins for Anika, and over the years, she's tuned in her senses to listen, feel, and interpret the layers of energy, helping those to nourish their bodies, and open their mindsets. To deepen our understanding of breathwork, and the harmony it can bring, Anika has shared her guide to the practice. 

Can you tell us about your introduction to breathwork? 

It was in 2013 that I was first introduced to the power of the breath in Costa Rica through the Clarity Breathwork school in Pachamama. It took me by surprise, after all that I had experienced so far, it is breathwork that truly brought home the cumulated knowledge I had gathered and helped integrate it into my life. I can honestly say that breathwork has been one of the most powerful allies for me, it opened a pathway to a vocation that lives till this day in my heart and soul, a place I can offer support in a multidimensional way. Within breathwork, we can have the most profound experiences relying on our own chemistry. Everything starts from within. Breath is the connection to our human experience; it connects our soul to our body. Every breath is a commitment to the continuation of our life here on earth, whether conscious or unconscious, every breath we take we are saying yes to life!

I founded Mystic Breath in 2016. A culmination of all I have learned, encompassing 20+ years of research and holistic certifications. Weaving breath, rhythm, a vibration through sound, hypnosis, holistic body work and most of all love and care. In my humble opinion, there is no better healing than the self-healing one ignites in themselves from a place of empowerment and trust. This is what I support, this is where you are guided towards within a Mystic Breath journey. There is a shamanic twist and a deep connection to the guides and forces around us which I live with daily. Many describe it as one of the most deeply spiritual experiences they have had. I hold private and group sessions on a weekly basis mainly in Ibiza Spain, on this magnetic island I call home. Together with my partner Moti Adrian, we often hold space as a team in the Mystic Breath groups sessions and work together to create our bespoke Temple Jewel collection, handmade, heartmade golden amulets. We have created a multifaceted and rich life that we love, and love to share.

What is 'conscious breathwork'?

Breathwork is a rhythmic breathing technique that invites self-inquiry. It opens us to a heightened state of sensitivity and awareness to our inner map. It teaches us how to achieve greater alignment and harmony. We learn to stabilize, nourish, and empower ourselves as we release what is holding us back. As it ignites our body, mind, and spirit into a conscious collaboration, we can truly feel into our present emotional and physical state, our patterns and life choices. Suddenly everything becomes clearer. Conscious breath propels us into a heightened state of self-realization, while efficiently actualizing changes in our life, often showing immediate results and benefits from the first session.

How can we do it at home, and how long should it take?

There are many breath techniques that are useful as a daily self-regulator that supports maintenance of a balance state. Simply taking a few minutes a day, tuning into your breath with one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Taking 40 deep conscious breaths and repeating the mantra 'I am well, I am willing, I am centered, I am love' will help harmonise and open our awareness to your present state of presence and calm. 

Are there different breathwork practices for different emotional states?

Breathwork activates DMT (dimethyltryptamine) which is naturally found in the pineal gland. It is the same substance found in ayahuasca and LSD and many other sensory enhancing mind-altering substances that expands your perception and increase your ability to feel and see beyond the normal state of awareness. 

On a physical level, breathwork effectively treats depression and trauma related issues, insomnia, reduces blood pressure, activates circulation of chi and blood flow, it also helps to relieve pain. Breathwork nourishes our physical body by oxygenating our cells, promoting healing and detoxing and boosting our immune system. It teaches you how to receive deeply and breathe fully while expanding and strengthening your lung capacity.

Take us through your sessions at Six Senses Ibiza – what’s the process? 

A session can be done on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting and lasts on average 2.5 hours. Both are equally powerful and offer different advantages. With the power of the breath and curated rhythmic and inspiring soundscape, you are guided into a hypnotic state of deep awareness and invited to explore, compassion, expansion, and self-mastery. Guiding you towards a more in tune, harmonised and empowered version of you.

A group session naturally ignites into a field of unity and intensified activation, which can help get into rhythm and tune into the full power of a multifaceted experience. When we join as a group, we can more easily increase the energy that is then circulated between participants. 

While a private one to one session holds space for a focused guidance and may incline more holistic body work and space to address more precisely with a very personalized therapeutic support.