Breathwork is a meditation technique used by contemplative psychotherapists that involves becoming aware of one’s breath and using it to develop self-awareness, or mindfulness, to enhance personal development and clinical exploration. Contemplative psychotherapists incorporate Western psychology with Eastern spiritual practices in their work with clients. Because the breath can be controlled both automatically and consciously, it is seen as a bridge between mind and body, according to ancient Buddhist and Yoga teachings. Contemporary research also affirms the efficacy of breathwork in psychotherapy. Through breathwork, clients learn to develop their particular, individual breath, which brings them closer to their true, or primordial, self.