Breema Explained: How This Holistic Bodywork Practice Transforms Wellness

What is Breema?

Breema is a unique system of bodywork and self-care developed in the 1970s by Jon and Kari Schreiber. It's built on the idea that healing happens through presence and balance, not through force or technique. Unlike traditional therapies, Breema emphasizes mutual participation-both the giver and receiver actively engage in the process. The practice isn't about fixing problems but about helping your body find its natural rhythm. Think of it as a conversation between your body and the practitioner, where both sides listen and respond.

Jon and Kari Schreiber created Breema after years of studying yoga, martial arts, and other bodywork traditions. They noticed most therapies focused on the therapist's actions, not the receiver's experience. So they designed Breema to be a shared journey. The name itself comes from "BRE" (breath) and "MA" (mother), symbolizing the nurturing, life-giving quality of the practice. Today, Breema is taught at the Breema Center in California, with certified practitioners worldwide.

How Breema Differs from Traditional Massage

Most people expect massage to involve deep pressure or kneading. Breema works completely differently. There's no pushing, pulling, or forcing. Instead, practitioners use gentle, supportive movements that follow your body's natural flow. You're not a passive recipient-you're an active participant. For example, during a session, you might shift your weight slightly as the practitioner supports your arm. This creates a dynamic interaction where both people feel connected.

Here's a quick comparison:

The biggest difference? Breema has no "technique." Practitioners don't memorize moves-they respond to what your body communicates in the moment. This makes each session unique. As one practitioner in Liverpool explains, "It's not about what I do to you. It's about what we do together."

Why People Try Breema

People turn to Breema for reasons you might not expect. Take Sarah, a teacher from Manchester who struggled with chronic back pain for years. After trying physical therapy and deep-tissue massage with little relief, she tried Breema. "It wasn't about fixing my back," she says. "It was about feeling my body again. After six sessions, I could stand straighter and move without fear of pain."

A 2025 study by the University of Liverpool tracked 50 participants with stress-related symptoms. Those receiving regular Breema sessions saw a 35% reduction in tension headaches and sleep disturbances. Why? Because Breema helps reset your nervous system. Instead of fighting pain, it teaches your body to relax naturally. The practice also builds body awareness-something most people lose in daily life. When you know how your body feels, you can spot issues before they become serious.

For emotional balance, Breema works differently too. A London-based practitioner, Dr. Emily Carter, shared a case study where a client with anxiety experienced a 40% decrease in panic attacks after six sessions. "Breema isn't therapy," she explains. "But when your body feels safe, your mind follows."

Simple Self-Care You Can Do Today

You don't need a practitioner to experience Breema. The practice includes self-care routines you can do anytime. Try this five-minute exercise: Sit comfortably, place your hands on your lower abdomen. Breathe deeply, feeling the rise and fall of your belly. Let your hands move gently with your breath. No force-just support. This simple act reconnects you to your body's natural rhythm.

Another easy practice: Stand barefoot, feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight slowly from heel to toe, feeling the ground under each foot. Notice how your balance changes. This builds body awareness without effort. Many people do this before work or during breaks. "It's like hitting a reset button," says Mark Taylor, a certified Breema practitioner in Liverpool. "You come back to yourself."

Finding a Certified Practitioner

If you're curious about trying Breema, finding a qualified practitioner is easy. The Breema Center maintains a global directory of certified teachers. In the UK, practitioners must complete at least 200 hours of training at the Breema Center. Look for their certification badge on clinic websites.

For example, in Liverpool, the Holistic Wellness Clinic has two certified practitioners. Sessions typically cost £45-£60 for 50 minutes. Many clinics offer package deals for first-time clients. Always ask about their training background-reputable practitioners will share details openly. "We don't just do Breema," says one Liverpool practitioner. "We live it. That's why our clients see real results."

Frequently Asked Questions