Berlin Breathwork Days 2025
May 13-16, 2025 - SCIENCE MEETS EXPERIENCE
Learning - Experience - Integration
Lectures - Breathwork - Workshops - Panel Discussion
Initiators Prof. Isabel Dziobek & Yasmine Orth
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„The Berlin Breathwork Days are one of the rare spaces where our hearts are welcome, and so are our brains—where bold visions are allowed to coexist with a grounded sense of responsibility and practical implementation. One of the great blessings of the Berlin Breathwork Days was that it brought together a group of breathwork practitioners and researchers who are all passionate about opening doors of healing for those in their care in the safest and most powerful way possible—and willing to question their own beliefs in order to get there! Participants were truly listening to each other, and respecting that different perspectives will empower our common quest to make breathwork a practice that can enrich the lives of many. In inviting the community to gather in this way, the Berlin Breathwork Days have left us with the sense that we are not alone on this mission, and with inspiration for all the things we can grow together as a community in the coming years.“
Text: Till SchröderBreath is a powerful instrument. This is increasingly recognized, as impressively demonstrated by the second Berlin Breathwork Days 2025: Measured by the number of participants and offerings, the Breathwork community gathering was three times larger than its inaugural edition the previous year. The Berlin Breathwork Days, with 160 attendees, found their new home in the breathtakingly beautiful venue, Eden in Pankow.
The concept proved highly successful once again: Initiator Yasmine Orth, founder of The Lovers & Leaders, a Breathwork Facilitator herself and an experienced pioneer in developing new event formats within the mindfulness context, and Isabel Dziobek, Professor of Clinical Psychology at HU Berlin and head of various research projects in the field of breathwork, have known each other for many years. The friendship between the two initiators embodies the interdisciplinary approach of the Breathwork Days: the integration of research and practice.
Conscious connected breath, coherent breathing, Wim Hof breathing, Auto-Breath, Pranayama, Holotropic Breathing, Reichian Breathing, box-breathing, physiological sigh – the many terms, schools, and applications must be carefully distinguished. Circular Breathwork is a method of breathwork, whereas Circular Breathing is used by trumpeters to play an endlessly sustained note. Other terms, while different, essentially refer to the same approach. Thus, the initial impression of the breathwork world can be confusing. “We created this format precisely for that reason,” says Yasmine, “to provide an overview of what is currently happening in this field.”
The overview is primarily provided by the lectures on the main day (Friday, May 16th) in the consistently full “Learning Lab”.
This quickly fosters an appreciation for the quality of scientific studies. Under the rigorous methodological scrutiny of the presenters, the field of reliable research shrinks to a manageable size. While humans have practiced breathing techniques for millennia, the research into these techniques and methods is still in its nascent stages.
Photo credit: Darshana Borges & Janosch FörsterThe lecture series in the Learning Lab is opened by the research team from Humboldt University. A driving question is whether and how breathwork can be used for the therapeutic treatment of trauma or depression. Safety plays a crucial role in this, applying both to the method itself and to the setting. “If one does not feel safe in a session, traumatic states can be exacerbated by breathwork,” says Isabel Dziobek. Conversely, study results demonstrate that breathwork can indeed lead to encouraging and sustainable outcomes, but only when emotional and physical safety are ensured and the facilitator safely masters its application. For certain “treatment-resistant patients,” breathwork even promises a shortcut to healing.
Laura Daedalow from Isabel’s team presents the ongoing HEART study (“High Expiratory Air Respiration for Therapists”). The initial results are promising; however, contraindications for breathwork applications include certain psychoses, epilepsy, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.
Renata Wacker, also from Isabel’s team, identifies a “win of opportunity” in her lecture when the applying therapists are experienced breathworkers themselves. Significant attention is also given to the relationship between facilitator and participants, as it shapes the safe setting for a successful session.
And another topic repeatedly emerged: integration.
Intensive breathwork brings repressed material to the surface of consciousness. This regression must subsequently be processed cognitively for experiences to contribute sustainably to healing and personal development. Lydia Schamschula also emphasizes the importance of post-breathwork integration, alongside proper preparation and a protected space, in her lecture. As a certified facilitator, she brings years of experience in Holotropic Breathwork and regularly organizes workshops with the Holotropic Breathwork Berlin Team.
The Berlin Breathwork Days thrive on personalities like Dr. Guy Fincham or Dr. Martha Havenith, who primarily combine neuroscience and experiential practice in their work. For instance, Oxford alumna Martha conducts research at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience of the Max Planck Institute, while simultaneously leading breathwork sessions and current breathwork studies at Humboldt University. On the main day, she first delivers a lecture to a full house on the Learning Lab stage, then, together with her partner, neurologist Dr. Abdel Nemri, leads a fully booked breath session in one of the beautiful “Experience Spaces.” In the evening, she presents her new book “Atemkraft”.
Photo credit: Darshana Borges & Janosch FörsterMartha critically reviews the current body of research. It can thus be validly demonstrated that breathwork can inhibit inflammation and strengthen immune defenses. Breathwork has positive effects on stress, anxiety, and depression; it aids in overcoming addictions and processing grief and trauma, strengthens self-awareness and resilience, and enhances the quality of relationships.
Later, Hans Rutrecht, a practicing and research psychotherapist who teaches at the Mind Foundation, will speak about “Breathwork & Psychedelics.” In contrast, Wim Hof Instructor Sukkhadas Auer will present his renowned teacher's method, while well-known yoga teacher Annette Söhnlein will explore the ancient experience of breathwork in yoga during her lecture.
Prana is life itself; through Pranayama, yogis not only circulate air but also direct the energy flows within their bodies.
Yousef Hammoudah, Mindfulness Trainer and Global VP Brand Development & Community at Fotografiska, will discuss the power of breath and its associated meditation practice. The breath becomes a mirror of one's inner landscape, a guide between the superficial and the authentic self.
The day concludes with a panel discussion on breathwork in therapy & practice and once again demonstrates how powerful and sustainable it is to build bridges between the individual protagonists.
Photo credit: Darshana BorgesThe Experiences / Experiential Workshops, distributed over three days, form the core of the Berlin Breathwork Days.
The event kicks off with a format developed by Yasmine Orth. Metamorphysis Breath combines regenerative meditation, energy and body work with a guided breath journey and subsequent integration. Yasmine, who trained as a Breathwork Facilitator at the Naou/Lichtatmung breath school and with Dr. Martha Havenith in Conscious Connected Breathing, will guide this evening alongside yoga teacher Esmée Seidler as co-space holder.
Photo credit: Darshana BorgesThe following day, in the same room on Torstraße, Wim Hof Facilitator Sukkhadas welcomes participants to his workshop, positioned next to his 6-degree Celsius ice bath. He begins by explaining the background of the Wim Hof Method and vividly describes his experiences climbing mountains in swimming trunks during ice storms. Sukkhadas guides participants through several cycles of Wim Hof breathing and mentally prepares them for the ice bath during the subsequent meditation. Everyone dares to try. “First, take a deep breath, then step into the tub with a deep inhalation,” advises Sukkhadas.
The main day also presents compelling experiential opportunities. It commences with classes led by Martial Artist Thomas Schubert and Yogini Annette Söhnlein. "The body serves as a vessel for the breath," she states. The asanas enhance its flexibility, enabling effortless engagement in a meditative posture for Pranayama.
Highlights also include sessions tailored exclusively for women and men. Both genders benefit from a safe space where their specific themes can emerge. Sascha Zeilinger, founder and head of "Spirit of Breath", leads the men's session with his interpretation of "conscious connected breathwork." Following a lecture on "The Feminine Way of Breathwork," Julia Wunderlich guides a breath journey of the same name exclusively for women.
Dr. Ed Caddye, a Movement Specialist and Medical Doctor, who traveled from Brighton with Guy Fincham, presented an innovative approach to breathwork that integrates muscle awareness and action.
Photo credit: Darshana Borges & Janosch FörsterSascha guides approximately 20 men through an unforgettable experience in this modern dance studio. Modern masculinity integrates gentleness with coolness, presenting an antithesis to outdated toxic masculinity and a "lonely wolf" mentality, from which even young men still struggle to emancipate themselves. He states it is an honor for him to lead this circle of men. Beside him sits Max Leidenberger, a fellow psychotherapist and breathwork facilitator who enjoys working with altered states of consciousness and spontaneously assists.
Later, in the Learning Lab, British scientist Guy Fincham presents his research findings. He founded the Brighton & Sussex Breathwork Lab, teaches breathwork, and investigates the effects of breathing techniques, including through MRI. Beyond the scientific insights into the calming effects of breath, he also shared a useful biohack for mental self-care. The fastest and most effective method to stop a hiccup is as follows: Inhale in three bursts, hold your breath for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, and then exhale very slowly. This directly impacts the phrenic nerve, which serves as a dedicated pathway between the brain and the diaphragm.
Photo credit: Darshana Borges
Speaking of biohacks, here's a final takeaway from Gerjet Efken, entrepreneur, podcaster and breathwork facilitator, who works with companies to practice breathing techniques with executives. His message: Breath is an always-available tool for self-regulation. He draws a comparison to beverages. First thing in the morning, a coffee – he categorizes all techniques that activate the sympathetic nervous system, energize the system, and release energy (e.g., Wim Hof breathing, Circular Breathwork, or Breath of Fire) as "coffee breaths." If one wishes to rebalance and refresh during the day, they might opt for a glass of water. Slow, steady "water breaths," such as alternate nostril breathing or "Box Breathing," clarify, calm, and focus the mind. And when a stressful day concludes and the system needs to wind down, a "whiskey" is appropriate. Gerjet recommends a very slow breathing technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system by emphasizing exhalation, such as alternate nostril breathing with extended exhalations or the "physiological sigh," which Guy also shared with the audience: two inhales, followed by a discernible, satisfying sigh out. Aaaaaaaaaah!
The entire day was repeatedly underscored by the moving performances of Embodied Voice Artist & Coach Paula-Maria Stewart.
In conclusion, the Berlin Breathwork Days 2025 demonstrate how powerful, multifaceted, and forward-thinking breathwork can be – through the interplay of science, practice, and personal experience.
We look forward to next year - SAVE THE DATE May 8-10, 2026
The Breathwork Community Gathering on the eve of the second Berlin Breathwork Days symbolized the collective effort and desire for mutual learning – bridging science and experience.
About the Author: Till Schröder works as an author and concept developer for content-driven communication (current focus: sustainability). The interplay of body and mind has fascinated him since his youth. He completed yoga teacher training in 2008, intensively practices yoga, meditation, and breathwork, and writes about these topics.
Initiators of the Berlin Breathwork Days:
Yasmine Orth (Initiator, Curator, Metamorphysis Breath, Founder of The Lovers & Leaders)
Prof. Isabel Dziobek (Co-Initiator, Professor of Clinical Psychology at HU Berlin, Head of University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy)
Speakers & Facilitators at our Berlin Breathwork Days 2025:
Dr. Martha Havenith (Scientist, Author, Ernst-Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience in cooperation with Max-Planck Institute)
Dr. Guy William Fincham (Scientist, Founder Brighton & Sussex Breathwork Lab, Breath Teacher, Researcher in Psychology (Brighton & Sussex Medical School))
Sukkhadas Auer (Wim Hof Method® Instructor (Level 2), Meditation Teacher)
Sascha Zeilinger (Spirit of Breath, Cold Exposure, Fatherhood Coaching, Workshop & Community)
Julia Wunderlich (Ayurveda Therapy, Spiritual Mentoring, Breathwork, Soft-Touch De-Armoring, Womb Healing)
Annette Söhnlein (Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, Author)
Gerjet Efken (Breathwork, Holistic Health Coach, Podcaster, Entrepreneur)
Dr. Ed Caddye (Movement Specialist, Medical Doctor, Clinical Research Fellow in CISC, Metabolic Psychiatry)
Paula-Maria Stewart (Embodied Voice Coach, Sacred Voice Artist)
Yousef Hammoudah (Mindfulness & Meditation Trainer, Global VP Brand Development & Community Fotografiska)
Dr. Abdel Nemri (Neuroscientist, Into the Deep Breath Conscious Connected Breath)
Anja Haberlandner (Physician & Psychotherapist)
Hans Rutrecht (Mind Foundation, Augmented Psychotherapy Training, Psychotherapist and Research Fellow)
Lydia Schamschula (Holotropic Facilitator, Grof Certified, Actress, Filmmaker)
Nina Hartter (PhD Student at HU, Yoga Instructor)
Thomas Schubert (Martial Arts, Little KungFu, Entrepreneur)
Dr. Renata Wacker (Psychologist and Scientist, Humboldt University)
Dr. Laura Daedelow (Psychologist and Scientist, Humboldt University)
Prof. Ulrike Lüken (Professor of Psychotherapy at HU, Humboldt University, Psychologist, Psychological Psychotherapist)
Thank you to our partners for enhancing our spaces with good energy & little gifts.
Primavera / Goodmoodfood / Markmans
And thank you to our team:
This day would not have been possible without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers and our background team – heartfelt thanks!
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What our speakers said
„The Breath is the only thing which connects us all. We’re breathing the air of others.“
„I was extremely thankful to be invited, and considered an expert, in front of so many
experienced, kind and intelligent beings. The balance between science and experience is what’s missing in the world today and that’s exactly what we had.
I am super grateful to be involved, and want to contribute more into the future—breathe well, Berlin!“
„For me, the Berlin Breathwork Days served as vivid proof of how far breathwork has come – and how much further we have to go. A space emerges between research, therapy, and experience that is simultaneously profound, transformative, and human. My
greatest learning? That genuine connection arises when we take science seriously without losing the magic.“
„Wow, I'm still completely energized by the Breathwork Days! So many people and such a wonderful atmosphere! From my perspective, the concept of blending science and practice was once again a complete success. It was constructive, cooperative, and I felt a strong desire to learn from one another! It wasn't about data being more valuable than experience, or defending experience against scientific findings. There was a spirit that together we are stronger, and we must collectively shape the future of breathwork.“
„For me, the Breathwork Days were a gathering characterized by ease, discussions marked by seriousness, and interactions rooted in friendship. How wonderful that this platform exists – may it continue to establish itself and attract many more individuals from the field for vibrant exchange, close encounters, and earnest discussions!“
„For me, the Breath Work Days Berlin represent a visionary experiential congress – a vibrant field where international speakers, the latest breathwork research, and lived experience converge in a unique space. It fills me with deep joy to co-create these spaces with my voice and to make breath, in its transformative power, tangible through sound – touching, connecting, liberating.“
„What a breath-filled day! The Berlin Breathwork Days 2025, organized by Yasmine Orth, once again opened a space for respectful, inspiring exchange on a scientific basis and for personal experience in the carefully curated workshops. Yasmine has again succeeded in attracting exciting speakers and facilitators who illuminated the topic of breath from all angles in relation to trauma and personal development. I rarely experience so much warmth and collective growth, and I look forward to the next time.“
„For me, the Breathwork Days were an excellent opportunity to engage in a vibrant exchange with facilitators, exploring both the potentials and limitations of breathwork as a therapeutic method. I see significant opportunities for professionalization in this area through open collaboration with psychotherapists.“
What Our Participants Said
Participant Survey - Key Qualities of BBD25
„Learning and experiencing together with open hearts and minds – that's what made the Breathwork Days special for me. Interdisciplinary perspectives, curious individuals, and beautiful spaces! Excellent!“
„An excellent format at the right time! An ideal combination of theory and practice – scientifically sound presentations, mindfully guided sessions.“
„The Berlin Breathwork Days impressed with a coherent blend of well-founded theory and experience-based practice. As a psychotherapist, it is particularly important to me that breathwork is taught and applied safely and with scientific rigor. This event not only highlighted the transformative potential and depth of breathwork but also the responsibility that accompanies it.“
„At the Berlin Breathwork Days, the latest scientific findings and profound experiential knowledge were treated with equal importance. Such respectful, fruitful exchange is rarely encountered.“
„I cannot adequately express how touched I was and how this experience continues to uplift me. I am grateful for the organization, the beautiful venue, the excellent insights, and the love you invested in the entire event.“
„For me, the Breathwork Days were an act of self-love. Through valuable presentations on the connection between breathwork and trauma, as well as my own profound transformation, I left convinced of how much hidden trauma I can resolve in my own life – and also help my clients to do the same. I will be back!“
„I feel greatly enriched by the information presented in the scientific lectures in the morning, and I am enthusiastic about the breath session with Martha, as I was able to have a profound self-experience and felt very supported and professionally guided throughout.“
„A day filled with inspiring, warmhearted people, many insights, connection, joy & so much love. The Berlin Breathwork Days have great potential to grow and have an impact and make a real difference.“
„How inspiring, how enriching – a wonderful opportunity to connect theory and practice, to further one's education, and to meet interesting people.“
„I found the combination of scientists and facilitators impressive. This allowed me to gain more knowledge and understanding of breathwork, as well as to have physical experiences.“
"An oasis for growth and connection. Thank you for outstanding, heartfelt pioneering work."
"“The Power of Breath” – a mystery scientifically explored. Highly captivating!"
"Excellent Facilitation - Excellent Science - together, breathwork achieves greater depth!"
"An inspiring, substantial, and highly informative event."
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