What it is:

Breathwork for Bellies is an online group program to support people living with IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) become more attuned to the connection between their energy, emotions, and bodies using the self-healing tool of breathwork. It is an invitation to learn a new way to digest and process emotions in the body. This group is led by Amy Kuretsky, breathwork facilitator, licensed acupuncturist, and person living with Crohn’s disease since 2004.

Why breathwork?

As someone who has lived with IBD for over fifteen years and has worked with a variety of both IBD and IBS clients over the last seven years, I can say with full honesty that nearly all of the IBD and IBS folk I’ve interacted with over the years have historically struggled with navigating emotions in their bodies. Typically, folks with IBD push and push and push their emotions down - into their bellies! - until the body can no longer take it. The body responds with an internal auto-immune attack on itself, destroying the invasion from the inside. (This was 100% me.)

While on the other hand, folks with IBS tend to be acutely attuned to their emotions. So much so that any slight change in their emotional landscape immediately creates an exaggerated effect to their digestion, creating either diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.

In both cases our emotions - either the suppression of them or the overwhelming attachment to them - is a huge contributor that is rarely, if ever, being addressed by western (and even complementary) medicine.

Who it’s for:

This program is for anyone and everyone living with IBD or IBS who wants to dive into the energetic and emotional aspects of their digestion. This program is open to those who have lived with digestive discomfort for decades or days. No matter where you are in your own healing journey, you are welcome here. This program is open to you whether or not you’re currently taking pharmaceuticals such as prednisone, mesalamine, or an injectable such as Humira. Please note that this program does not replace medical advice or treatment and you will still need to be under the care of your gastrointestinal doctor should any flare-ups arise.

How it works:

We will meet twice monthly for four months, to gather together in community and practice radical honesty, compassion, healing and self-acceptance. The two-hour live groups will take place online over Zoom, from the comfort of your own home, Monday evenings (7pm CST, convert to your time zone here) starting January 20th (recordings will be available for those who have to miss a session). Sessions will include discussion on that week’s topic, a self-healing breathwork session, and will conclude with an opportunity for sharing and witnessing. Topics covered will include shame, anger, the stress of living with a hidden illness, journeying to self-acceptance, and more. Additional writing assignments and community connection will be provided for those who desire more self-reflection, deeper insight, and the support of other folks who have moved through similar health stressors.

Exchange:

This program is a $500 exchange that can be paid all at once at the time of registration or split into four, monthly payments of $125 that will be automatically charged on the card used for registration on the 20th of each month through the run of the program. A limited number of reduced rate scholarship spots are available. Please contact amy@constellationacu.com to inquire.

Bonuses:

As a bonus, you will also receive three pre-recorded breathwork meditations: a 7-min meditation that can be used as a daily practice, a slightly longer 15-min meditation for when you’ve got a bit more time to dedicate to yourself, and a 30-min practice for a more immersive experience in between live sessions.

Transform the relationship between your emotions and your digestion.

Join Breathwork for Bellies.

Registration closes Sunday, Jan 19th.

A gentle word:

This is a group program and therefore does not include highly individualized support. Because breathwork can bring up intense emotions and strong physical experiences, please understand that issues arising from your participation in breathwork may require additional therapeutic or supportive involvement. Breathwork is a generally safe practice. However, if you have a sense that you will not feel safe experiencing the intensity of your energy or emotions without one-on-one support, I encourage you to explore how breathwork can benefit you through private sessions. This group is not a substitute for medical care or therapy and neither Amy, nor Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts, claim or intend to fix, treat, heal, or diagnose any health or medical condition.

Meet Amy:

Amy Kuretsky, L.Ac, originally found breathwork in 2017 through fellow acupuncturist, Erin Telford. During her first breathwork session she was blown away by the strong qi sensations she felt in her body - stronger than anything she had felt after years of acupuncture. This initial session drastically opened up her intuitive channel and helped her gain clarity and confidence around many decisions in her life. Soon after, she discovered how powerful her breathwork practice was in helping her release stuck emotion and healing deep wounds related to her digestion. She has since trained with Erin’s teacher, David Elliott, and has completed his four-part breathwork healer training. While Amy’s passion lies with supporting folks heal the pathways between the brain, heart, and belly, she has worked with breathwork clients on everything from healing grief to PTSD to chronic pain.

Questions? Please submit them below and we’ll get back to you shortly.