A journey of navigating and healing from Eczema through holistic practices

A journey of navigating and healing from Eczema through holistic practices

From a very young age, I struggled with eczema that came in waves. My teenage years were particularly challenging, as the condition stripped away my self-worth. The eczema spread from my fingertips up to my shoulders on both arms. During this time, I encountered many practitioners, but none of them were interested in finding the root cause. Their approach was always a band-aid solution: “Use this cream, this  ointment, this steroid,” and then hope for the best. For a few years, the eczema cleared, only appearing mildly on my fingers. I always had my steroid cream on standby. 

It wasn’t until recent years that I began my own research and gained a deeper understanding of eczema. I learned that it was connected to the gut. Throughout my life, I also struggled with bulimia and binge eating, unaware of the dangerous consequences and how I was disrupting my stomach’s microbiome. I didn’t understand how stress and childhood trauma, stored in the body, contributed to autoimmune dysfunctions and diseases like eczema. 

My way of managing stress was to unconsciously stress myself out further overworking to the point of burnout, engaging in excessive exercise, restrictive eating, and never allowing myself to rest. I was always doing something, drinking, or taking drugs, thinking these actions were helping. In reality, I was running from and suppressing my true reality. I did my best with what I knew at the time. 

By the end of 2022, I hit rock bottom. My eczema was worse than ever, to the point where I had to wear gloves and wrap my hands in bandages. I woke up with swollen eyes and severe rashes on my arms. My body was pleading for me to stop and slow down, but I couldn’t see it. This was my “normal”—trying to keep my head above water while working three jobs. My eating disorder was at its peak, I was deeply stressed, my nervous system was dysregulated, and I needed help.

Discovering Healing Modalities: Breathwork and Meditation 

Breathwork came into my life at a time when I desperately needed to find a new way of living. I had to shift my perspective from merely surviving to learning how-to live-in alignment with my true self. This journey required me to unlearn my old conditioning  and embrace new practices that would truly serve me. 

Transitioning out of survival mode is a journey, moving from a chaotic "normal" to a slower-paced life where everything starts to feel uncomfortable. You notice how you've been living, constantly running away from discomfort. I realized I needed to commit to change as my body was suffering deeply. Over the years, I tried every fad you can think of—diet shakes, laxatives, colonics, various diets, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and countless supplements. Each solution seemed to work temporarily,  but I always ended up back at square one. The issues were much deeper than the  surface symptoms I was experiencing.

There was no safety in my body, and my unconscious attempts to create "safety"— overworking, excessive training, binge eating, vomiting, restricting food, partying, and lack of sleep—only caused further imbalance in my gut. My dysregulated nervous system prevented me from absorbing nutrients and my unhealthy weekend habits only worsened the situation. 

I've always been curious about holistic health and pushed myself to try new things, often stepping out of my comfort zone. In September 2020, I was introduced to breathwork and cold exposure during my first Wim Hof retreat in the snowy mountains. It was an amazing experience, but at that time, my mind and body weren't fully ready to embrace the benefits. 

In 2022, I was reintroduced to breathwork through a community on Bondi Beach called Cool 2 Be Conscious. It became my new ritual: running the 440 at Bronte Beach every Saturday morning and then heading to Bondi for breathwork and meditation. This marked the start of a beautiful journey. I began meeting like-minded people who were also on a path of healing and self-improvement. This new way of socializing allowed me to break away from the partying scene. I started noticing drastic changes—my anxiety lessened, I gained a better understanding of my behaviours, and I began to feel a sense of safety within myself and with those around me. 

Fast forward one year, and I had the opportunity to undergo practitioner training. This aligned perfectly as it was when my eczema was at its worst. The journey was challenging and required me to confront deeply rooted trauma and stress, but it turned out to be the biggest blessing. Now, on the other side of it, I see how transformative breathwork and meditation have been for my healing journey. 

Breathwork for Eczema: Addressing Trauma and a Dysregulated Nervous  System 

As I mentioned earlier in this blog, my eczema was deeply connected to childhood stresses, stemming from a dysfunctional family, divorced parents, and the burden of their stress. My coping mechanisms included excessive training and strict control over food, which eventually led to burnout, constant bloating, constipation, and a severely dysregulated nervous system. This deep-rooted stress manifested physically, and ignoring my body's cries for change only projected more stress and dysfunction onto my skin. 

Breathwork has provided me with profound benefits, and it can serve many people on various levels. For me, breathwork allowed me to slow down and be present with myself, rather than constantly running away from my issues. It helped balance the chemicals in my brain that release dopamine. Instead of seeking my dopamine hits through drugs, alcohol, or the dance floor, I began to find it through conscious breathing, being with like-minded individuals, and appreciating everything my body has endured and will continue to endure.

Breathwork has guided me through countless obstacles, remaining a steadfast companion through every challenge. It has cultivated a deep sense of gratitude and self-worth within me, fostering a powerful connection with myself. Breathwork is an incredibly effective tool for regulating the nervous system. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), reducing stress hormones, enhancing oxygenation, and promoting mindfulness and emotional balance, breathwork fosters a state of relaxation and resilience. This practice not only helps manage immediate stress but also contributes to long-term mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

During Eczema:

After Eczema:

Principles of Breathwork and Its Impact on Imbalances, Trauma, and the  Nervous System 

Breathwork is grounded in the principles of mindfulness, controlled breathing patterns, and the intentional use of breath to influence our physical and emotional states. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, breathwork helps regulate  stress responses, release trauma stored in the body, and restore balance to our  overall well-being. Specific techniques, such as coherent breathing, two-part breath,  and circular breathing, have been pivotal in my journey. 

Every day, I dedicate time to breathwork, which begins with 25 minutes of varied techniques. I start with coherent breathing (inhaling for six seconds and exhaling for six seconds), followed by the two-part breath (a double inhale—first filling the tummy,  then the chest—followed by an exhale through the mouth). Next, I engage in circular  breathing (inhaling and exhaling through the mouth in a continuous flow). I listen  intuitively to what my body needs, incorporating breath holds, body movements,  humming, sounds, and sighs. This routine concludes with a 10-minute meditation,  setting a tone of safety and presence for my day. 

These practices have brought about profound positive changes in my life. My anxiety  has decreased significantly, I’ve cultivated a stronger connection with myself, and my  emotional regulation has improved. Additionally, my sleep quality has enhanced, and  my overall well-being has flourished. Breathwork has been instrumental in managing  my eczema, offering a holistic approach to healing that extends beyond the surface. 

For those with busier schedules, even just 5 minutes of conscious breathing at the start, middle, and end of your day can make a substantial impact. There are various breathwork practices, including "breakthrough breathwork" sessions that last from 1- 2 hours, which can deeply peel back the layers of our inner selves, akin to peeling an  onion. 

However, breathwork is just one piece of the puzzle. Integrating the insights gained from these practices into daily life is crucial. This involves making lifestyle changes, adopting healthier eating habits, and surrounding yourself with supportive, like minded individuals. Breathwork, combined with journaling, has helped me express and process a wide range of emotions, from stress and frustration to joy and love.

The journey of healing through breathwork has not only improved my physical and mental health but also enriched my relationships and quality of life. While it's essential to focus on healing, it’s equally important to enjoy life, create joyful memories, and fill your cup. Breathwork has been a transformative tool for myself and many others, providing ongoing support and healing on our journeys.