What Is Functional Breathwork?

Breathing happens automatically, but the way we breathe can change when we are stressed, rushed, anxious, exhausted, concentrating, or simply moving through a demanding life.

Functional breathwork uses intentional breathing practices to help you become more aware of your breathing patterns and explore different ways of using the breath.

Depending on the session, this may involve:

• Slow breathing practices

• Diaphragmatic breathing

• Extended exhales

• Breath awareness

• Grounding practices

• Gentle movement

• Somatic awareness

• Guided relaxation

• Meditation or visualization

• More active breathwork techniques when appropriate

There is no single breathing exercise that everyone needs.

Your experience is adapted to the setting, your comfort, and the purpose of the session.

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What Is Nervous System Regulation?

Your nervous system is constantly responding to what is happening around you.

Work.

Relationships.

Noise.

Responsibilities.

Pain.

Sleep.

Deadlines.

Even positive experiences can create stimulation.

Nervous system regulation does not mean eliminating stress from your life.

It means developing a greater ability to recognize what is happening in your body and having tools available when you need them.

Sessions may help you practice moving between activation and relaxation with greater awareness rather than feeling stuck in “go mode” all the time.

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What Happens During an Individual Session?

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1. We Start With Where You Are

We begin with a short conversation about how you have been feeling, what you are noticing in your body, and what you would like from the session.

There is no pressure to tell your entire life story.

You decide what you are comfortable sharing.

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2. We Notice What Your Body Is Doing

Before immediately trying to change anything, we may explore your breathing, posture, tension patterns, body awareness, and how settled or activated you feel.

The goal is curiosity — not judgment.

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3. We Use Breath and Regulation Practices

Depending on your needs, the session may incorporate guided breathing, grounding, somatic awareness, relaxation techniques, visualization, gentle movement, or other nervous system regulation practices.

You are always encouraged to communicate.

You can slow down, modify, or stop an exercise at any time.

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4. You Leave With Something You Can Actually Use

The goal is not for regulation to exist only inside my office.

When appropriate, you may leave with simple breathing or grounding practices you can use at home, at work, before bed, or during stressful moments.

Sometimes the most useful practice is one you can realistically do for two minutes — not something that requires an hour and perfect silence.

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Individual Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation

Individual sessions provide a private environment where the experience can be tailored more specifically to you.

These sessions may be especially helpful if you are new to breathwork, prefer one-on-one support, or want an experience designed around your personal goals.

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Individual Session

60 Minutes · $125

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Guided Breathwork Workshops

Prefer a group setting?

Fire & Ice also offers guided functional breathwork workshops.

Workshops provide an opportunity to step away from daily demands, learn breathing and regulation practices, and experience guided breathwork in a supportive environment.

Each workshop may be slightly different depending on the theme and breathing practices being explored.

No previous experience is required.

 

Breathwork Workshop

$25 special for September & October

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What Does Breathwork Feel Like?

Every person’s experience is different.

Some people notice that they feel calmer or more grounded.

Others become more aware of tension they had not noticed before.

You may notice changes in breathing, body temperature, muscle tension, emotions, energy, or simply your awareness of your body.

There is no specific experience you are supposed to have.

You do not need to force anything.

The goal is to stay curious and work within a level that feels appropriate for you.

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Trauma-Informed Means You Stay in Control

Trauma-informed breathwork does not mean pushing someone through an intense emotional experience.

Your autonomy matters.

Throughout the session:

• You choose your level of participation

• You may modify a breathing practice

• You may return to normal breathing whenever you want

• You may change position

• You may stop an exercise

• You do not have to explain why

• You are never required to share personal experiences with the group

Breathwork should not become another situation where you feel pressure to perform.

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Is Breathwork Safe for Everyone?

Breathwork practices vary significantly in intensity.

Gentle breathing and relaxation practices may be appropriate for many people, while more active breathing techniques may not be appropriate for everyone.

Please let me know before participating if you are pregnant or have significant cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, psychiatric, or other medical concerns.

If you are unsure whether a breathing practice is appropriate for you, speak with your qualified healthcare provider before participating.

Breathwork and nervous system regulation sessions are educational wellness services and are not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.

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Breathwork for People Who “Can’t Meditate”

You are not required to empty your mind.

You are not failing if thoughts keep appearing.

And you do not need to sit perfectly still.

For many people, focusing on breathing or physical sensations gives the mind something tangible to return to.

That can make breathwork feel more approachable than being told to simply:

“Stop thinking and relax.”

Your brain does not need to become silent for the practice to be worthwhile.

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Why Breathwork at Fire & Ice?

Personalized Guidance

You are not expected to fit into one rigid breathing protocol.

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Trauma-Informed Approach

Choice, communication, autonomy, and comfort remain central to the experience.

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Whole-Person Perspective

Breathing, muscular tension, stress, sleep, recovery, and daily life often overlap.

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Practical Tools

The goal is to give you practices that can exist outside the session — not only while someone is guiding you.

 

Experienced Support

Sessions are facilitated by Ashley Biro, Trauma-Informed Functional Breathwork Practitioner, founder of Fire & Ice Holistic Health.

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Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation in Matthews, NC

Fire & Ice Holistic Health is located at:

13124 Idlewild Road, Suite 3B
Matthews, NC 28105

Convenient for clients in:

Matthews · Charlotte · Mint Hill · Stallings · Indian Trail

Please note that the office is located upstairs and there is no elevator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous breathwork experience?

No. Beginners are welcome.

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Do I have to share personal information?

No. You control what you choose to share.

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Is breathwork the same as meditation?

Not exactly. Some sessions may include meditative practices, but breathwork uses intentional breathing as a primary point of focus.

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What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe and move comfortably.

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What if I feel uncomfortable during an exercise?

You can modify or stop at any time and return to normal breathing.

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Can I attend a workshop by myself?

Absolutely. You do not need to bring someone with you.

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Should I choose an individual session or workshop?

Choose an individual session if you want more personalized guidance or prefer a private environment.

Choose a workshop if you want a guided group experience or are interested in exploring breathwork in a community setting.

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Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

You spend a lot of time responding to everything around you.

This is time to notice what is happening within you.

You do not have to arrive calm.

You do not have to know how to breathe “correctly.”

You only have to arrive willing to begin.

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Choose Your Next Step

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Fire & Ice Holistic Health
Matthews, NC
Functional Breathwork · Nervous System Regulation · Guided Workshops