SOMA Breath Sessions with Ganesha Retreats

SOMA Breath works by incorporating rhythmic breathing patterns to instigate a physiological state change in the body. Whether that be from stress to rest, or rest to energy, the practice can be adapted to the situation to support a desired outcome.

When breathing rhythmically, the body’s natural biorhythms (circadian, infradian, and ultradian) begin to align and harmonise. This alignment produces an effect known as heart coherence, where heart rate variability becomes more rhythmical and blood flow between the heart and brain is optimised. In this state, the body is working at its most efficient level for the condition it is in and, with sustained practice, can improve heart rate variability, support healthy blood pressure, and positively influence many other bodily functions.

Simultaneously, rhythmical breathing stimulates the production of what SOMA Breath instructors and affiliates refer to as a DOSE of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. This internal chemical environment offers optimal conditions for neurogenesis which is the formation of new neural pathways in the brain. In simple terms, this supports the brain’s ability to loosen deeply ingrained behavioural and emotional patterns and establish new ones.

This process works in both directions, as habits can be either supportive or detrimental. Within SOMA Breath sessions, however, intention, awareness, and guided practice are used to consciously influence this process, helping practitioners reinforce positive patterns and reduce the hold of unhelpful ones. Over time, this can lead to meaningful and lasting changes in how a person thinks, feels, and responds to their life.

When combined with specially designed trypnaural music, SOMA Breath can influence brain chemistry very quickly when paired with rhythmic breathing, often within minutes. The music also supports shifts in brainwave activity as practitioners enter deeper states of relaxation throughout the session.

Studies referenced within the SOMA Breath framework have observed transitions from normal waking consciousness (beta brainwaves) into calmer, more optimal flow states such as alpha, and in some cases theta which is a light meditative state. These states are associated with improved focus, creativity, and emotional regulation. Remaining in high beta brainwave activity for prolonged periods is linked with chronic stress, overthinking, and mental fatigue, so learning to access these calmer states can be profoundly supportive for long-term brain and nervous system health. With continued practice, practitioners often find they can access these optimal states more readily in daily life.

Different breathing patterns within SOMA Breath elicit different physiological responses. An extended exhalation rhythm stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. In this state, the body enters a stress-reduced environment where regulation, repair, and self-healing processes can occur more efficiently, helping to break cycles of chronic stress. Other breathing patterns, such as equal inhalation and exhalation, are used to support heart coherence and access the alpha flow state.

Alongside breathwork and music, the final component of SOMA Breath is visualisation. This mental practice supports emotional regulation, creativity, and intentional focus by stimulating the often-underused right hemisphere of the brain. With sustained practice, visualisation becomes clearer, faster, and more effective, allowing individuals to consciously influence their internal state and the direction of their lives.

The founder of SOMA Breath, Niraj Naik, used these combined practices to heal himself from a severe autoimmune condition after being told he would likely live with it for the rest of his life. His recovery, alongside the life he went on to create for himself and his family, forms the foundation of SOMA Breath and demonstrates the profound capacity the human body and mind have for change when given the right conditions.

At Ganesha Retreats, our SOMA Breath sessions are guided with care, responsibility, and accessibility in mind. We support beginners as they begin their breathwork journey while also holding space for those with more experience. Our guidance is clear, grounded, and supportive, removing unnecessary pressure and helping participants feel at ease as they explore something new.

It is our long-term vision to improve the world, and we believe this begins by improving individual lives. If you’d like to explore our current SOMA Breath offerings, you can stay updated via our blog or book a session directly using the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.