Breathwork in Christchurch and Online
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a consciously connected breathing technique designed to allow the participant to access an altered state of consciousness allowing for nervous system regulation, reprogramming, connecting to the higher self and so much more.
Breathwork is an amazing way to reduce anxiety and stress in daily life.
Breathwork sessions can be done either one-to-one in-person, in groups and/or online.
Who is breathwork for?
Breathwork is a powerful practice for reducing stress and anxiety. Whether you’re feeling unsure about a decision or seeking clarity in life, breathwork helps you reconnect with your innate wisdom and find the answers within.
Regular breathwork practice can improve emotional intelligence, boost your immune system, and enhance heart rate variability. It’s a holistic tool for both mental and physical well-being.
Our bodies often store emotions, trauma, and tension—whether from daily life or deeper experiences. Breathwork is a somatic practice that helps release these blockages, allowing you to feel lighter, freer, and more aligned.
Ready to experience the transformative power of breathwork?Book a session today and take the first step toward a calmer, more balanced you.
What does a breathwork session look like?
A typical session with John van Huenen lasts around 2.5–3 hours, offering a deeply transformative and personalised experience.
The session begins with 60 minutes of coaching, where we’ll explore what you’re currently navigating in life. This helps tailor the breathwork journey to your unique needs. You’ll then be gently guided through a personalised breathwork practice which will last around 60 minutes, moving only as deeply as you feel comfortable.
Using restorative and activating breathing techniques, the session aims to restore the natural flow of energy through your body-mind system. You’ll be safely guided to release stored emotions, shift belief systems that no longer serve you, and process anything in your nervous system that feels incomplete. This can lead to emotional or physical releases, a sense of energy circulating through your body, and other profound experiences.
After the breathwork, you’ll be gently guided back with a meditation and visualisation. We’ll then reflect on your journey and discuss any insights that arose, as well as actionable steps to help you move forward in life.
The intention of every session is to create a beautiful, safe space where you feel held and supported. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or transformation, John is here to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more about how to prepare for your first breathwork session check out this link in my blog
Offerings
One to One
1:1 3hr bespoke coaching and breathwork journey
These breathwork sessions are either in person or online.
Online starting from $270nzd
($155usd, £120, €150)
In-person starting from $380nzd*
3-session online package $750
($450usd, £350, €420)
3-session in-person package $1100*
*in-person sessions may include travel costs
Small group/couples
Fully customised breathwork journey for two to three people. Ideal for couples or friends who wish to journey together.
Either in person or online.
Enquire for pricing.
Larger Groups
Fully customised breathwork journey.
It can have a predefined theme or intention.
Ideal for corporate settings, or retreat style workshops.
Sessions can range from 30 minutes to full day retreats.
"I've never felt so safe and held before as I did with John during his breathwork sessions. He truly represents the healed masculine that is so precious and healing. I was able to process some deep wounds thanks to his gentle and supportive presence. I wholeheartedly recommend attending his sessions, it was life-changing for me!"
-Marlin, Coach
"John, I’ve never allowed myself to be that vulnerable in front of a stranger before. Yes, I had close people around me that I have shared parts of my story with and feel very safe to journey with, but the way you curated such a safe environment through you being you allowed me to open and move things, things that I have purposely not looked at because they were too painful. I appreciate your gift to the world John and am grateful to have had the experience. I look forward to breathing with you again."
Zarah, Practitioner & Herbalist
"I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking to show up for themselves and dive deep. This was my first breathwork session and It was an incredible experience. John carefully guided me through the process and was a calming presence throughout. I felt some big shifts and I’m going to incorporate a daily practice john has given me.”
– Tom, Managing Director
"John held a beautiful intimate breathwork experience for a group of our friends yesterday and wow.... he curated such a safe and loving space that allowed some big things to move through me. I felt extremely held and cared for during the whole practice. I absolutely recommend John in the highest regard and if you have the chance to attend one of his events, jump at the opportunity.
You will not be disappointed!"
- Jesse, Builder
Enquire here
FAQ's
What do I need for a breathwork session?
- Yoga mat
- Blanket
- Journal and pen
- Water bottle
- Comfortable clothes
- Optional to bring an eye mask and/or lip balm
Is there science around breathwork?
Breathwork is more than just a breathing technique—it’s a scientifically supported practice that transforms the mind, body, and spirit. Here’s how it works:
Balances the Nervous System: Breathwork activates both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, helping you feel calm yet energised.
Releases Stored Emotions: By accessing the limbic system, breathwork helps release emotional blockages and trauma.
Boosts Brain Function: Increased oxygenation and neuroplasticity support mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Enhances Well-Being: From reducing stress to improving heart health, the benefits of breathwork are backed by science.
How can I get the most from the session?
To get the most out of a breathwork session it's advised to avoid drugs and alcohol for at least 24 hours before and 24 hours after.
Afterwards, its important to create at least a few hours for yourself to gently come back as the session can be a lot to process. Ensure you drink plenty of good quality water and if possible spend some time in nature. My personal favourite is to jump in the ocean or a river.
Do online sessions work?
Online breathwork sessions are a powerful tool for transformation, offering all the benefits of in-person sessions without geographical restrictions. Modern science shows that we live in a quantum world—one that transcends the limits of space and time. This means we can connect energetically, no matter where we are in the world. Experience the same transformative energy as in-person sessions, thanks to the quantum nature of our interconnected world.
You can join from the comfort of your own home via Zoom, creating a safe and personalised space for your practice. Whether you’re in Christchurch or halfway across the globe, the healing power of breathwork is just a click away.
Will I cry in a breathwork journey?
It’s common to express emotions during a breathwork session, though it’s not a rule. What I love most about breathwork is that you’ll only go as deeply as your nervous system is ready for. Unlike plant medicines, which can thrust you into the deep end, breathwork allows for a gradual and sustainable exploration of your inner world.
With the guidance of an experienced facilitator, you’ll navigate your emotions in a safe and supportive way through a process known as titration. This means you’ll move at your own pace, ensuring the experience feels empowering and manageable every step of the way.
Titration allows your nervous system to process emotions and trauma in small, manageable doses, reducing the risk of overwhelm and helping you build resilience over time.
What qualifications and experience do you hold?
Over the course of 9 months and nearly 20 personal breathwork journeys, this intensive program took me deep into my own internal world, allowing me to process and heal from my own traumas and challenges.
Since completing my training, I’ve facilitated hundreds of breathwork sessions—both in-person and online—with individuals and groups as large as 200 people. My work has taken me across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, and Africa, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting people from all walks of life.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been deeply committed to my own personal development, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into tools, trainings, and experiences that have helped me navigate my way to becoming the best version of myself. This ongoing journey allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and insight to my work as a facilitator.
My approach is rooted in compassion, safety, and a deep understanding of the nervous system, allowing me to guide clients through even the most challenging emotions with care and precision. I specialise in helping people release stored trauma, overcome limiting beliefs, and step into their fullest potential.
What are the accepted payment methods?
We accept bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard and cash. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, please ensure that you include your booking reference number and the name under which the booking was made. If you have any questions about payment options, please contact us.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, which is why we have a flexible cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations made within 24 hours can be transfered to a later date. If you fail to show up for your booking without giving us notice, you will be charged the full amount of your booking. If you have any questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us.