10 Best Breathwork Certification Online in January 2025

It is no secret that breath manipulation can be incredibly powerful. From historical accounts and anecdotal evidence, to peer-reviewed studies – everything we know confirms the enormous impact that breathwork can have on our psyche and physiological processes.

I wouldn’t be telling you this if I hadn’t experienced this for myself. First as yoga practitioner, later as a yoga teacher and a long-distance runner. To this day, I keep discovering the potential of breath awareness and control.

As someone who heavily integrates breathwork in my teaching, I also get to experience the rewarding feeling of sharing breathing practices and helping my students.

If you like the idea of exploring the techniques and benefits of breathwork, you may be interested in becoming a certified teacher, facilitator, or coach.

For this article, I, for the YOGI TIMES team selected the top online breathwork certification courses as of January 2025.

My 2 Favorite ones are:

• The Whole Health Project.
• SOMA BREATHWORK Training

• Learn how breathwork can lead to profound personal healing and growth
• Discover how breathwork certification works
• Understand the benefits of breathwork for physical and mental health
• Explore your career options as a certified breathwork professional

History and Origins of Breathwork

The art of conscious regulation of breath dates back centuries. Spiritual breathwork practices take many forms, between the pranayama traditions in ancient India, qigong and Taoist practices in China, sweat lodges among the Native peoples of the Americas, as well as chanting and wind instruments present in various cultures across the globe.

This deeper understanding has given rise to diverse practices that utilize breath as a tool for healing, self-awareness, and transformation.

Linguistic Connection

Life starts and ends with a single breath. In many languages, this connection is reflected through linguistic proximity. 

Famously, the yogic concept of prana refers to both “breath” and “vital life force” in Sanskrit. Similarly, the Chinese concept of qi represents breath, air, and vital energy. Māori language observes the overlap of breath and life (or essence) with hā. The term hauora refers to well-being, integrating breath as a symbol of holistic health.

In Slavic languages (such as Russian, Ukrainian, Slovak, Polish) the word for “soul” or “spirit” is dukh or duch, sharing the same roots as the word for “breath”. The Latin word spiritus refers to breathing and spirit.

As you can see, there is an intrinsic cultural understanding of our physical and spiritual connection to the breath.  

Discover the power of breathwork

• Mental clarity. Tapping into breath control can be a great way to find your focus and enhance the flow of oxygen to the brain.
• Emotional regulation. Mindful breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a direct link to stress relief and relaxation.
• Improved respiratory function. Similar to the way we train muscles with exercise, we can condition our respiratory system through regular practice.
• Better sleep quality. In addition to the overall relaxation, breathwork can have a positive effect on your sleep patterns.
• Self-awareness. Pranayama begins with presence, allowing for greater awareness and connection to self. Many breathwork practitioners experience significant emotional and physical transformations.

Breathwork Practices and Techniques

Even within the yogic framework, there is an entire catalog of breathwork practices. From simple breath awareness to sophisticated breath manipulation, every practice and breathwork technique has a specific purpose. 

You may be familiar with familiar with some items on this list, though it is not extensive by any means.

Ujjayi Pranayama

This breathwork technique involves engaging jalandhara bandha (throat lock) by softly constricting the muscles around your throat. It creates an audible whispering sound that sounds like tidal waves, which is why this breathing practice is sometimes known as “ocean breath”.

Nadi Shodhana

According to yogic philosophy, energy flows through our body through thousands of channels (similar to blood vessels) known as nadis.

This breathwork technique is designed to clear and balance the major energy channels running along the spine with alternate nostril breathing and mental focus.

Kapalabhati Kriya

A cleansing and energizing technique, Kapalabhati is also known as “skull shining breath”. It is a series of short, forceful exhales using the diaphragm to push the breath out. 

Dirga Pranayama

Breathing sequentially into your belly, ribs, and chest, is a great way to activate your respiratory system for yoga practice, expand your lung capacity, and “switch” your focus. Outside of yoga, this three-part breath is often used as a grounding technique.

Viloma Breathing

An interesting technique, viloma pranayama is the practice of interrupting your breath during inhales or exhales. It improves control over one’s breath and prepares the practitioner for breath retention practice.

Breath Retention

This may sound counterintuitive, but holding your breath is a form of breathwork. Breath retention can take place after the inhale (antar kumbhaka) or exhale (bahya kumbhaka). Both are challenging and not recommended for beginners.

Bhramari Pranayama

Buzzing bee breath, or bhramari pranayama, is a practice of humming on the exhale as a way to improve focus and soothe the nervous system. It involves closing your ears to isolate the humming sound, although different variations of this technique exist.

Lion’s Breath

A great way to release tension in your face, jaw, and throat, this breathing technique focuses on forceful, directional exhalations with a “roaring” sound. To practice lion’s breath, you open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale from the back of your throat.

The Science Behind Breathwork

The thing that kind of blows my mind is how these ancient breathwork techniques not only stood the test of time, they were retrospectively validated by modern scientific methods. It’s no longer seen as some hippie stuff, breathwork is recognized for its true therapeutic potential.

The surge in scientific and public interest led to wider applications of breathwork practices in clinical, educational, and well-being spaces.

So, how does it work? What is the science behind its impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being?

• By altering our breathing, we affect the communication between our respiratory system and our brain, which has an impact on thought, emotion, and behavior.
• Controlled breath may entrain electrical activity in the brain, literally changing the flow of your brain waves.
• Breathwork can be used to alleviate conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD.
• Certain types of breathing can help to regulate cortisol levels, which contributes to stress relief and improved sleep quality. Individuals who practice breathwork often report increased energy levels and reduced stress.
• Compared to mindfulness meditation, breathwork has a greater potential for improving mood and reducing physiological arousal.

Also Read >>> Benefits of Breathwork

Breathwork and Personal Growth

More importantly, breathing exercises and techniques have the potential to do something science cannot quite measure: personal growth and internal development.

Breathwork lays the path for deep and focused self-discovery. I won’t pretend that everything I learned about myself with breathing and meditation practices has been positive or pleasant. However, it revealed parts of me that I can work on, and ways I can channel my self-improvement efforts.

As a yoga teacher, I also have a privilege of sharing and facilitating these practices with others. By helping my students uncover and release their deep-seated emotions, I can continue healing and transforming my own life.

Think of how many lives you can touch as a breathwork coach or facilitator. If you’re looking for an incredible outlet and potential new career, competing a breathwork certification program is a great place to start.

Online Breathwork Training and Certification

Similar to yoga teacher training, there are different types and levels of breathwork training and certification. For instance, my yoga teacher training covered some breathing techniques in the Pranayama modules, which enables me to conduct breathwork practiced as part of teaching yoga. However, if I wanted to pursue a career in specialized breathwork coaching or work in therapeutic spaces, I would definitely need additional training.

Pranayama (Yoga Teacher Training)

Yoga Alliance certified training programs for yoga teachers include educational content for practicing and teaching pranayama. However, since it is only a part of a larger training, yoga teachers may seek continuing education courses to expand their expertise.

Certified Breathwork Facilitator Training

Mid-range training programs (100-200 hours) delve much deeper into the various breathing techniques and teaching methodology. This is a great option for those who want to incorporate breathwork into an adjacent career (e.g. teacher, therapist, retreat host).

Advanced Facilitator or Breathwork Coach

To explore a broad scope of breathing practices and applications, advanced courses (300+0 typically cover techniques, teaching, and even training others. There may be a crossover with specialized training (see below), creating multiple opportunities for further career development.

Specialist or Niche Certifications

If you already have some training and experience in the breathwork field, you may be interested in further training that addresses a specific skill or demographic. Some examples of specialized training include prenatal and labor breathwork, trauma management, injury recovery, respiratory and chronic illness management, working with children, etc. 

Recognition and Accreditation

If you’re looking for a breathwork training course, a good question to ask yourself is, how do I know which training program is legitimate and trustworthy?

If you’re seeking out breathwork training as part of your yoga education or personal development, the safe bet is to look for Yoga Alliance approved courses. However,  Yoga Alliance is not the only marker of legitimacy or quality when it comes to breathwork training, especially for broader application.

For instance, if breathwork certification is offered as part of Qigong training, it would be wise to check the lineage of the instructor(s) and look look for training supported by national or global Qigong organizations, such as NQA (National Qigong Association in the United States).

On a broader scale, breathwork as a standalone practice has its own professional standards and certifying bodies. If you see a course associated with International Breathwork Foundation (IBF), the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) or National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, it’s a green flag!

Essential Tips for Choosing Breathwork Teacher Training

• Verify the lead instructors’ experience and qualifications. Reputable programs often highlight the instructors’ background, including their training lineage and years of experience.
• Look for courses accredited by reputable organizations globally or within your country.
• Check if the course provides CE credits for related fields, such as yoga, coaching, or therapy.
• Review the syllabus to ensure it covers essential topics like breathwork techniques, anatomy, ethics, and trauma sensitivity.
• Look for reviews or testimonials from past students. Genuine feedback can provide insight into the course quality and student support.
• Check if they offer ongoing support, such as alumni networks, advanced workshops, or mentoring.

Best Breathwork Teacher Training Online

Breath Mastery with Dan Brule

Dan Brulé is a breathwork pioneer who dedicated over 50 years to guidance and extensive breathwork education. His goal is to help as many people as possible discover the transformative power of breath to relax and invigorate the body, sharpen and expand the mind, stabilize emotions, and uplift the spirit.

Breath Mastery Practitioner Program combines all of the insight and hands-on experience into an entire collection of breathing practices and breath-related online courses to facilitate your healing journey from start to finish.

The course is a 12-month self-paced program designed for anyone who is ready to take advantage of breathwork as a tool for wellness and personal growth. This online training can be a source of personal development, or contribute to your professional expertise as a health professional, yoga instructor, or coach. 

Dan’s online course includes remote learning, peer mentoring, monthly webinars, and coaching calls. Best of all, it will teach you to invent your own unique exercises and meditations based on the things you learn, while building upon the fundamentals.

Tried and tested by students in 67 countries, this breathwork course exceeds the minimum training standards recommended by the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF) and the International Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA).

Breathwork Coach Certification

Breathwrk is a Los Angeles based studio that facilitates a breathwork coaching course online. This comprehensive and affordable program covers everything from breathing basics to leading breathwork sessions based on science-backed breathwork techniques!

Split into 22 sections, this course is fully self-paced. To ensure that you absorb the information presented in this training, these sections are rounded into categories that later test your knowledge with a quiz.

My personal take on this breathwork training is that it’s relatively accessible. It’s not the cheapest offering out there, but it is still affordable on a lower budget. Plus, the fully online format means that you can gain your breathwork instructor certification wherever you are in the world.

Plus, this course is available through Thinkific, which has been optimized for educational content. If you already have an account, that’s a bonus!

If you’re not quite ready for a deep dive, you may be interested in Breathwrk Functional Breathing Course instead. It’s an introductory program that teaches you all the fundamentals of breath awareness and control. In the future, it can serve as a fabulous base for further training.

Alchemy of Breath Certified Breathwork Facilitator Training

One of the most extensive online training programs, this life-changing breathwork certification is one of the most complete and comprehensive online courses available.

This online breathwork training is aimed at practitioners and professionals of all levels. It honors wherever you are in life – whether you are a yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, medical professional… Even if you are complete novice, the program includes all the tools you need to become a competent and masterful breathwork facilitator.

That being said, it is not enough to tick the boxes and pay your fee. Alchemy of Breath is renowned worldwide, and they deal with high demand. To enter their breathwork course, you must complete an application process, including an interview, to ensure that the program is a good fit for you.

The high quality of the course is reflected in the glowing testimonials from the alumni. They all speak highly of Anthony Abbagnano, the main breathwork facilitator and founder of Alchemy of Breath.

This online breathwork training is by no means easy – the 400-hour course requires full commitment on your part. On the other hand, you are receiving an incredible amount of guidance and community support  in return.

The Alchemy of Breath Breathwork Certification is widely accredited. It has the seal of approval by the Federation of Holistic Therapies, and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. There is also an option to complete a Practitioner Training Programme approved by the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance.

Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor Training

If you’re looking for a science-backed, self-paced program, Oxygen Advantage functional breathing instructor certification should definitely pique your interest. With lifetime access to the learning materials, you can study at your own pace to gain this certification.

In wellness spaces, Oxygen Advantage is known for its practical training approach that prepares the new generation of breathwork professionals. With this training, you will be able to help others use breathing as a method of reducing stress, improve focus, and create healthy habits. 

Although anyone can partake in this course, it is particularly advantageous to healthcare workers, fitness professionals, as well as people who operate in the wellness industry (yoga, meditation, Reiki, therapy).

The training is led by Patrick Mckeown, who is one of the few Western breathwork practitioners of the Buteyko Method, having trained in Moscow with Dr Buteyko himself. Over the course of his career, he developed upon this foundation and became one of the most respected breathwork experts and published authors.

This online breathwork training does not simply cover breathwork techniques. It delves into the nitty gritty of biochemical and biomechanical function of breathing. This helps the certified trainers identify dysfunctional breathing patterns and help practitioners restore healthy respiratory functions. Understanding anatomy and physiology is important for facilitators to ensure safety during breathwork.

Overall, it takes about 1-3 months to complete the 100 hours of training and pass the multiple choice quiz to become certified.

YogaLap Breathwork Instructor Course

This Yoga-Alliance accredited program consists of two courses. First, you have to complete a foundational Breath Is Life course, which is entirely self-paced. Then, you expand on the basics with Life Awareness Breathwork Instructor course. The overall content adds up to a rounded, comprehensive breathwork certification program, which also gives the student 37 CE credits with Yoga Alliance. 

As a Yoga Alliance program, it combines science-backed methods with ancient pranayama techniques which results in a breathwork instructor course that will teach you to heal and empower others through breathwork.

There is a huge focus on approaching breathwork mindfully and responsibly. The future instructors are taught to facilitate a safe and honest environment in their breathwork sessions, both in groups and one-on-one settings.

This certification includes both online coursework and in-person facilitation in the form of video lectures, daily journaling, and live Q&A and guidance sessions with trainer Michaël Bijker. Whether you’re someone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of breathwork or a spiritual professional who wants to incorporate breathing into their work, you can fully benefit from this Pranayama education.

With thousands of online students who studied with YogaLap, you can check their beautiful written and video testimonials to understand how transformative this course can truly be.

Harness the Power of Breath with Yoga International

Yoga International has hours of educational content, including Pranayama continuing education courses.

This is an excellent option for registered yoga teachers to gain CE credits with Yoga Alliance, bolster their professional expertise, and experience new angles of breathwork. However, there are no prerequisites for this course. Everyone, even complete beginners, are welcome to enroll. 

Harness the Power is a shorter program that focuses on the art and science of breathing, including mechanics of breathing, its healing potential, and philosophical implications.

It puts breathwork in the context of the yoga practice, including a module on breath as it appears in ancient yogic texts like Bhagavat Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

This self-paced course is facilitated by Rolf Sovik, President and Spiritual Director of the Himalayan Institute and a clinical psychologist with degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern studies, and clinical psychology. Sovik has over five decades of yoga experience, and it’s a true privilege to be able to learn from him.

For someone on a lower budget, Yoga International courses are an amazing opportunity to learn at the low cost of monthly membership, enjoying discounted and free courses as part of the member access. 

Academy of Breath Meditation and Breathwork Certification

“We are paving the path in the breath space by bridging the gap between science and spirituality and setting the standard for breath facilitation.” To me, this quote from the Academy of Breath perfectly defines why it is a coaching course worth taking.

Although it is primarily aimed at education and wellness professionals, this course can benefit leaders in a whole array of industries. Breathwork is not simply about a short-term advantage, it’s a self-discovery journey that ultimately everyone could benefit from.

The course is developed with modern audience in mind, blending traditional techniques and respect for the spiritual lineage with scientifically proven methods. This program will help you develop your teaching voice to share your light and knowledge through the power of breathwork.

As such, the contents of this online breathwork training include leadership mentorship. As a breathwork facilitator, one of the key skills is to connect with your audience, create a safe and nurturing environment, and show them the way forward.

The course is broken down into 12 weeks of practicum curriculum trainings, exploring meditation and breathwork techniques and NLP coaching methods. To ensure that you feel supported, you can take advantage of the office hours with the team behind Academy of Breath, wherever you are in the world.

Breathwork for Emotional Release Certification

Another fantastic low-budget option is the Royal Certified Masterclass certified breathwork coach program for emotional release. With over 1000 lessons and step-by-step guidance, this training is worth every second (and penny).

I always check the accreditations for the courses I review, and this one blew me away! This training is accredited with five major organizations: International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine, the CPD Certification Service, International Association of Therapists, Complementary Medical Association, and ICAHP (International Compliance Assurance for Holistic Practitioners).

The resulting certification is not only valuable on a personal level, it is universally recognized in professional wellness, coaching, and education spheres. The learning experience is fully self-paced and online, which can take as little as 10 minutes a day to progress.

The thing that is special about this training is the main focus. The modules center around emotional release, teaching people to use breathwork as a tool for healing and self-discovery. The certification will help you secure a flexible and impactful career helping other understand the connection between breath and emotion.

Compared to other courses, this training draws on the expertise of more than 20 breathwork professionals and practice owners to create a scientifically solid and unbiased training. It’s almost like taking several college courses that add up to 150+ hours of professional development.

The Whole Health Project Trauma Aware Training

This 35-hour training focuses on the healing qualities of breathwork training. After enrolling and completing this course, you would become a certified breathwork facilitator specializing in trauma awareness.

This online program is made up of two self-paced courses, a 25-hour Breath Coach training and 10-hour Trauma Aware Facilitation training.

Although most courses adhere to the modern safety and sensitivity standards, specialized trauma training enables students to create breathwork classes tailored to specific demographics. Furthermore, this online breathwork training is accredited with Yoga Alliance, which serves both as a seal of approval and an inceptive to gain cont4inuing education credits.

The participants are given 6 months to complete the course, which is ample time to review the course hours including 20 different breathwork techniques.

Although this course is designed to be taken at your own pace, you still have opportunities to access a global community of peers and wellness professionals via the monthly Live Q&A sessions and direct connection through an exclusive Facebook support group.

Over the course of your participation, you’ll learn to facilitate breathwork sessions for your students, as well as incorporate these concepts into your personal yoga and breathwork practice.

Another fabulous course for those who want to teach breathwork, Breath of Gold Breathwork Facilitator Program is a journey that can totally transform your life and career.

It was very important for me to include trauma-aware training options on this list. Facilitators should create a safe space for trauma recovery during breathwork sessions. As such, this breathwork training includes every style of breathwork and pranayama, in addition to trauma-informed training methodology. 

Over the course of 4 months of training, part of the course will involve working on your own healing, mastering trauma release techniques using breathwork, building a successful breathwork practice. Overall, this training involves 84 hours of learning, including self-paced online study and weekly live calls with coaches.

In addition to the standard learning about breathwork types and physiology, there are two very important modules that make this training stand out. The coaching and communication section trains the skills of active listening, detecting body language, and being trauma-informed in your work as a breathwork professional.

Another section covers business and marketing aspects of being a breathwork coach, which is not a default presence in every training.

It’s safe to say that this course promotes a holistic approach to pranayama use in yoga, fitness, and other wellness spaces by certified professionals.

How to Use Technology to Enhance Your Breathwork Practices

Technology has significantly expanded the accessibility and effectiveness of breathwork training, making it possible for people around the globe to learn and practice these techniques regardless of geographical location or scheduling constraints.

Video conferencing tools and e-learning platforms allow breathwork practitioners and aspiring facilitators to access high-quality training from leading experts worldwide.

Recorded sessions, on-demand lessons, and downloadable resources ensure flexibility for participants with different time zones or busy schedules.

Breathwork Specializations and Continuing Education

In yoga and breathwork, continuing education and specializations are welcomed by the potential employers and clients. The more serious and qualified you are in regards to what you do, the more you can bring to the table.

Additionally, accreditation programs and registries like Yoga Alliance require a certain threshold of continuing education hours to be completed to keep your membership status.

Medical and Therapeutic Breathwork

Breathwork training for clinical applications focuses on medical and therapeutic approaches (e.g. respiratory physiotherapy or integrative medicine).

The goal of breathwork in a medical context is usually improving respiratory function, managing stress-related conditions, or aiding in chronic illness recovery.

Also Read>>> Breathwork & Ice Bath Workshop Review

Extensive Holistic Programs

Deep, immersive training covering various breathwork techniques (e.g., Holotropic, Rebirthing, Transformational Breath) can help yoouo progress as a holistic breathwork specialist.

It usually includes elements of spirituality, personal transformation, and advanced facilitation skills.

Trauma-Informed Breathwork

In recent years, the scope of breathwork has been expanded by our understanding of trauma and its effects. As such, you may see offerings of breathwork training labeled as “trauma-informed” or “trauma-conscious”.

Trauma-informed approaches recognize that trauma is common. Ethical considerations are crucial for facilitators to avoid re-traumatization.

This type of training incorporates trauma-informed principles to ensure safety and sensitivity and create a welcoming environment in your breathwork sessions. Facilitators need to monitor clients’ responses during breathwork to ensure their safety.

The focus is typically set to regulate the nervous system and promote healing trauma through breathwork, which has shown to be quite effective.

Trauma-informed training often combines breathwork with somatic therapy or mindfulness, further expanding the scope of your abilities and future applications.

Trauma-informed training often combines breathwork with somatic therapy or mindfulness, further expanding the scope of your abilities and future applications.

Also Read>>> SOMA Breathing Technique