Neurodynamic Breathwork in Winnipeg, MB
Practitioner Melissa Anderson RNBN
Next Sessions:
October 25th, 2026
November 22nd, 2026
December 13th, 2026
Breathwork in Winnipeg
Breathwork in Winnipeg:
What is Neurodyanmic Breathwork?
Based on the same breathing technique as Holotropic Breathwork created by Psychiatrist Stanislav Grof (co-founder of transpersonal psychology), Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) allows for a deeper connection to oneself. It is used as a non-substance alternative to accessing expanded states of consciousness, which in recent years is being heavily researched.
NDB uses only your breath and music to create physiological and psychological changes in the body that occur during this type of breathing in order to access, what in breathwork, is called your inner healing intelligence. Just as your body knows how to heal when it is cut, the psyche has the same drive to healing, health, and wholeness.
While individual experiences vary significantly based on state of mind and personal health history, participants frequently engage in Neurodynamic Breathwork to support:
Deep physical relaxation and relief from chronic stress
Enhanced emotional processing and release of tension
Increased self-awareness, mindfulness, and mental clarity
Improved connection to bodily sensations and interoceptive awareness
Known to help with emotional awareness, emotional release, psychosomatic symptoms, processing experiences of trauma, and increased self-awareness, this technique can be used for those with existing chronic conditions as well as those who are in good health (some contraindications do exist).
This practice is evidence-based and has been, and is being used by many trailblazing medical practitioners in individual, community, and clinical settings.
Sessions can be done 1:1 Individual, 1:2 Couples and Group.
Only in-person options available at this time
What are the possible benefits of
Breathwork in Winnipeg with Beatha?
What to Expect at a In-Person Breathwork Session in Winnipeg:
Each session is structured to ensure physical safety, emotional comfort, and integration.
Screening & Orientation
Before beginning, every participant completes a health screening to identify any medical contraindications. We review the mechanics of the breath, physical sensations that may arise, and techniques to slow down or ground the experience at any time.
The Guided Experience
Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. Participants lie comfortably on a mat while listening to a curated musical playlist designed to support different phases of the journey. You are encouraged to move at your own pace; you retain total autonomy over the depth and intensity of your breath throughout the entire practice.
Integration & Grounding
Following the active breath portion, time is dedicated to quiet rest, reflective expression (such as artwork or journaling), and voluntary sharing. Integration helps bridge the insights gained during the session into daily life.
"When we hear others' stories, it helps us hear our own"
- Melissa Anderson RNBN
Important Health & Safety Considerations
Because dynamic breathing induces distinct physiological shifts, it is not appropriate for everyone. To maintain safety standards aligned with professional nursing oversight, a pre-session evaluation is mandatory.
Neurodynamic Breathwork may be contraindicated or require specific modifications for individuals with a history of:
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Cardiovascular Conditions: Uncontrolled high blood pressure, history of heart attack, stroke, or arterial aneurysms.
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Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy or history of seizures.
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Recent Physical Changes: Recent abdominal or thoracic surgery, significant physical injury, or severe osteoporosis.
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Respiratory Issues: Severe or uncontrolled asthma (participants with asthma must have their rescue inhaler present).
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Pregnancy: Dynamic breathing is contraindicated during pregnancy due to altered hemodynamics.
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Psychiatric Conditions: History of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or complex PTSD, where intense emotional processing may require specialized clinical care.
In-person Breathwork in Winnipeg, is very powerful in a safe group setting. In our day and age where experiences of loneliness and isolation are being recognized as an epidemic by the World Health Organization, community experiences are fundamental to health and healing. That being said, it is understandable if a group experience may be something you wish to work up to, 1:1 can be a great place to start.
Breathwork in Winnipeg: The Value of a Clinical Nurse and Integrative Approach
When engaging in deep breathwork, the framework holding the experience is just as important as the technique itself. Facilitation grounded in professional nursing and specialized psychedelic-assisted therapy training offers a thoughtful approach centered on physical safety, health assessment, and complex emotional grounding.
Dynamic breathing induces genuine physiological shifts, including changes in respiratory patterns and temporary shifts in blood chemistry. A nursing background provides a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This clinical foundation ensures that pre-session screenings carefully evaluate your health history for any underlying cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological factors. Throughout the active practice, continuous observation allows for a clear distinction between typical somatic responses—such as mild tingling or emotional release—and signs that call for gentle stabilization and grounding.
Specialized training in expanded states of consciousness and psychedelic-assisted frameworks brings a refined, non-directive presence to the session. Rather than steering or interpreting your experience, this approach focuses on creating a secure, trauma-informed space where your nervous system can navigate deep emotional or somatosensory processing within its natural window of tolerance. Following the breathwork, dedicated integration guidance helps bridge abstract insights and bodily sensations into practical, grounded tools for daily life.
Practicing under the regulatory standards of a Registered Nurse ensures that your care is held to the highest ethical principles, strict therapeutic boundaries, and full professional accountability.
Facilitators
Melissa Anderson RNBN
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Main Facilitator/Neurodynamic Breathwork Certified Pracitioner
Melissa Anderson at Beatha Holistic Nursing is a trained Neurodynamic Breathwork practitioner providing certified individual and group somatic breathwork sessions in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tracey Levesque RN
Main Co-facilitator
Tracey Levesque, RN brings over 30 years of diverse nursing experience including operating room care, diagnostic medical sonography, patient education, telehealth, and leadership in research and quality assurance. She is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and is passionate about evidence-based patient-centered education that supports holistic wellness of body, mind, and spirit. Tracey is a TheraPsil trained pracitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breathwork in Winnipeg
What should I expect during a Neurodynamic Breathwork session?
Sessions typically last between 2 to 3 hours. We begin with an orientation to review the breathing technique, what physical or emotional sensations may arise, and how you can self-pace or slow down the experience at any time. You will then lie comfortably on a mat while engaging in continuous, dynamic breathing to a curated music playlist. The session concludes with quiet rest and a structured integration period to help you ground your experience before leaving.
How does dynamic breathwork actually work in the body?
Dynamic breathing shifts your normal respiratory rate and rhythm, temporarily altering the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream. This shift naturally quiets the Default Mode Network—the region of the brain associated with analytical thinking, self-criticism, and habitual thought patterns. As mental chatter subsides, it becomes easier to access somatic awareness, process stored stress, and experience deep relaxation.
Is Neurodynamic Breathwork safe for everyone?
While dynamic breathwork is a supportive wellness practice for many, the physiological changes it creates mean it is not suitable for everyone. All participants complete a confidential health screening prior to attending. Breathwork may be contraindicated or require specific modifications if you have a history of cardiovascular conditions (such as severe high blood pressure or heart disease), aneurysms, epilepsy, recent major surgery, severe asthma, pregnancy, or certain mental health conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe PTSD.
What physical or emotional sensations might I experience?
Because the breath temporarily shifts blood chemistry, participants commonly experience mild, harmless physical sensations. These can include tingling in the hands or feet, slight lightheadedness, temperature changes, or mild muscular tightness (tetany). Emotionally, you may experience anything from profound stillness and mental clarity to tears, laughter, or a release of stored tension. You remain fully conscious and in control of your breath intensity throughout the entire process.
How should I prepare for a session, and what should I bring?
To ensure a comfortable experience:
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Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing that allows your abdomen to expand fully.
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Eat lightly prior to the session, avoiding heavy meals for 2 hours beforehand.
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Bring a water bottle, a journal and pen for post-session reflection, and any personal comfort items like a favorite blanket or eye mask (mats and props are provided on-site).
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If you use an inhaler for asthma, please bring it with you to the session.
How is a nurse-facilitated session different from other breathwork classes?
Facilitation by a Registered Nurse trained in expanded states of consciousness means your session is held within a clinical and trauma-informed framework. Your health history is thoroughly evaluated during intake, real-time physiological responses are monitored by a healthcare professional, and the space is maintained under strict professional codes of ethics, client privacy, and regulatory oversight.
Does breathwork replace medical treatment or therapy?
No. Neurodynamic Breathwork is an integrative wellness practice designed to support self-awareness, stress reduction, and nervous system regulation. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, psychiatric care, or psychotherapy. If you are currently under the care of a physician or mental health professional, you are encouraged to discuss incorporating breathwork into your self-care routine with them.