In essence, Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) is about surrender — yielding to the power of the breath as the anchor for your journey
Founded by Michael Stone, NDB is a non-directive, live-facilitated, science-backed breath modality that uses deeper, faster, circular breathing to a curated ‘hero’s journey’ playlist, designed to activate the nervous system.
It can open access to expanded states of consciousness, a profound inner knowing and the body’s innate healing intelligence within a safe, legal and trauma-sensitive space. The breather is always empowered and in control.
A body-led, breath-centred breath practice that incorporates principles of neuroscience and transpersonal psychology, NDB supports nervous-system regulation, the release of blocked emotions and trauma and invites you to curiously venture deep within.
At its heart is a simple truth – the body holds its own intelligence and the breath is one of the most direct ways to access it.
Prior to booking a Neurodynamic Session, please be sure to read the Medical Contraindications here:
Neurodynamic Breathwork is rooted in Holotropic Breathwork – developed in the 1970s by Stanislav Grof (MD) – a pioneering psychiatrist with over sixty years’ experience researching non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Across their clinical work, Grof and his wife Christina observed that altered states — when safely supported — are not something to be feared, but can be profoundly healing.
Holotropic Breathwork is an in-person breath and music practice using faster, deeper, circular connected breathing, opening access to expanded states of consciousness in a similar way to psychedelics or deep meditation.
Grof speaks of an Inner Healing Intelligence or Inner Radar within each person that knows how to move the psyche towards balance, integration and wholeness. With the right conditions of safety, presence and support, this inner wisdom naturally leads what needs to be felt, released or understood. The psyche – like the body – can move toward healing.
Rather than operating from the analytical mind, our Inner Healing Intelligence arises from a deeper level of awareness. It brings to mind memories, emotions and sensations only when we are ready to meet them, acting like an inner compass.
Having trained with Stan Grof for over twenty years, scientist Michael Stone built on this foundation and founded Neurodynamic Breathwork, integrating:
With NDB, we experience a non-directive breathwork modality that offers the same depth and potential as Holotropic Breathwork, while being accessible both online and in person. Like Holotropic Breathwork, NDB incorporates deeper, faster, circular, diaphragmatic breathing to a curated music playlist that activates the nervous system.
We encourage breathers to start with mouth breathing because it accelerates physiological changes, facilitates deep emotional release and opens access to altered states of consciousness more rapidly. It is quite normal for breathers to switch to nose breathing through the session.
In a typical Neurodynamic Breathwork session, once the music begins, the facilitator does not guide participants towards specific emotional, physical or spiritual outcomes. Rather than imposing or enforcing a particular way or speed of breathing, facilitators hold a safe, supportive space while the breath – and the breather direct the process. Once the music ends, facilitation resumes to bring you back to the room and into an optional sharing time.
Neurodynamic Breathwork is founded on two core principles and invitations: Trust the Process and Surrender to your Inner Guiding Intelligence or Inner Wisdom.
Practicing Breathwork regularly supports profound transformation on both a neurological and physical level. Each session helps retrain the body and mind — from survival mode and striving — towards regulation, presence, wholeness, and creative flow.
Supports activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body move out of chronic stress and fight-or-flight and into states of safety, balance and groundedness. With regular practice, this can support emotional regulation, resilience and a greater sense of calm and stability.
Opens access to subconscious awareness and deep intuition, supporting creative flow, inspiration and fresh insight. By quietening the analytical mind, new ideas and deeper knowing can emerge naturally.
Rewires the brain by strengthening neural pathways for healing, clarity and regulation. Rather than forcing catharsis, emotional integration and healing happens at the body’s own pace.
Increases nervous system capacity — the ability to stay present with intensity, emotion and uncertainty without becoming overwhelmed. Supports greater self-trust and discernment.
Calms mental chatter and reduces hypervigilance, supporting clearer thinking and improved focus. Many people report greater ease in decision-making.
Boosts oxygenation, supporting cellular repair, energy levels, cardiovascular and immune health and detoxification. Fosters self-compassion while reconnecting you to your purpose and inner truth.
Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) is a non-directive, science-backed breathwork practice. It uses faster, deeper, circular breathing and curated music to support expanded states of awareness, deep inner knowing and emotional release. Trauma-sensitive and empowering, NDB invites the breather to trust their own inner guidance, allowing subconscious insight to emerge naturally while supporting the release of stress, suppressed emotion and stored tension — all within a safe, supported, facilitator held container.
Neurodynamic Breathwork is generally very safe when facilitated appropriately. However, it is not recommended for certain conditions, including cardiovascular issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy, pregnancy, or serious psychiatric disorders. Please review the full list of contraindications before booking. If you are unsure whether this practice is right for you, we recommend consulting your doctor or getting in touch beforehand so we can support you in making an informed choice.
A Neurodynamic Breathwork session lasts approximately 90–120 minutes and is often described as a powerful inward hero’s journey. The session begins with a gentle, facilitator led introduction and grounding meditation, followed by 60 minutes of deeper, faster breathing to a curated music playlist. Once the breathing begins, there is no facilitator guidance — allowing you to journey inward and be led by your own inner guiding intelligence. The session closes with an integration period and an optional sharing circle.
Yes. If Neurodynamic Breathwork is not suitable for you, we also offer Breathe & Flow, Breathe & Go, and Breathe & Write sessions. These shorter sessions use slower, gentler breathing practices with music and are designed to support nervous system regulation, stress relief, focus and alignment. You can explore all available offerings here.
These sessions are best experienced with your eyes closed, so you may wish to bring an eye mask. If joining online, take a few moments to prepare your space — soft lighting, a quiet environment where you’re unlikely to be interrupted, and a stable internet connection. You can breathe lying down or seated upright. Having a blanket, cushions, water and tissues nearby is recommended. For Neurodynamic Breathwork sessions, it’s best to avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand.
Absolutely. No prior experience is needed. Neurodynamic Breathwork meets you exactly where you are at and each session unfolds in its own way. You’re invited to go at your own pace and trust your body’s wisdom throughout.
You are always in control of your breath. If anything feels too intense, you can slow down, return to natural breathing or stop altogether at any point. Support is always available and your wellbeing comes first.
Many people feel calm, open or reflective after a session. It’s recommended to drink water, rest if needed and allow time for integration. Journalling, gentle movement or time in nature can support the integration process in the hours and days that follow.
