Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE KEUR METHOD

  • The keur Method is our science-based approach to breathwork, developed through more than a decade of teaching experience, our global collaboration with On, working with employees and top sponsored athletes, and in close collaboration with University Hospital Basel.

    The method integrates breathwork science, nervous system regulation, movement, sound, and emotional wellbeing. It has evolved across diverse settings, from trainings and immersive experiences with Zermatt Unplugged to corporate wellbeing, sports, and community spaces.

    At keur, breathwork is never isolated from the body, the nervous system, or the emotional experience. We carefully sequence breathwork, movement, and sound within thoughtfully designed spaces to guide the nervous system intentionally - supporting regulation, focus, recovery, emotional processing, transformation, and performance.

  • Most breathwork leans one of two ways, clinical and technical, or purely ceremonial. At keur, we've never believed you have to choose.

    Our approach is grounded in the science of breathing — precise timing, careful sequencing, and safety at the heart of everything we teach. But we hold that structure within an experience that feels like ceremony: thoughtfully designed spaces, sound, and a sense of presence that makes each session genuinely transformative.

    It's an approach that bridges worlds — from strong collaboration with On, training world-class athletes, to holding truly ceremonial spaces. This is the keur Method: a holistic practice that brings together ancient tradition and modern science, as much an art as it is a science.

ABOUT BREATHWORK

  • Breathwork is the conscious practice of changing how you breathe to shift how you feel — physically, mentally, and emotionally. We all breathe, yet most of us have lost touch with this fundamental function.

    It covers a wide range of techniques, from slow and rhythmic to more dynamic patterns, as well as functional breathing that improves your everyday breathing. The benefits are real and measurable: less stress and anxiety, sharper focus, more energy, better athletic performance, deeper recovery, and space for emotional release.

    Grounded in ancient practice and backed by modern science, breathwork is accessible — no experience, background, or belief required. At its core, it's a simple, powerful way to build awareness, regulate your nervous system, and feel more like yourself.

  • Breathwork has well-documented effects on the body, mind, and emotions. Research shows that conscious breathing can shape the nervous system, cardiovascular function, and how we respond to stress and anxiety. Slow, gentle breathing activates the parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") system, calming the body, improving heart rate variability (HRV), and restoring a sense of balance.

    Breathwork is remarkably versatile. Depending on the technique, it can calm you, sharpen focus, lift your energy and support athletic performance, or open the door to deeper emotional release — the same practice meeting very different needs.

    Many people also describe moments of insight, connection, and stillness during practice. Whether your goal is reducing stress and anxiety, better sleep, sharper focus, faster recovery, or personal growth, breathwork offers an accessible, science-supported path to overall wellbeing.

  • At keur, we teach a range of evidence-informed breathing techniques — from slow, controlled patterns that support nervous system regulation and relaxation to more activating methods that can support energy, focus, and emotional processing.

    Drawing on both ancient tradition and modern science, these tools come together in the keur Method — where science meets ceremony. We apply them across formats: our signature class The Breath, Performance And Resilience workshops, Corporate Sessions, and immersive intensives.

    Browse the workshop descriptions to find what resonates with you.

  • Some breathwork techniques involve faster breathing patterns (often referred to as controlled hyperventilation), while others focus on slow breathing practices and breath holds. These different approaches influence physiology in different ways, including supporting nervous system regulation and improving breathing efficiency.

    At keur, we focus on a well-rounded, holistic approach to breathing, with a strong emphasis on functional breathing. Our sessions combine different techniques and are always practiced in a controlled and guided environment, with a strong focus on safety and nervous system awareness.

YOUR KEUR EXPERIENCE

  • Expect a carefully curated breathing and movement journey in a very safe and supportive environment. We combine guided breathing, music, movement, and moments of stillness to create a holistic and science-based experience. Many participants leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more connected to themselves.

  • Every experience is different. During breathwork, you may feel calm, grounded, energized, emotional, clear, or deeply relaxed. Some people also notice physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, lightness, or a sense of release in the body. All of these can be normal responses. Our sessions are guided with care, and you are always encouraged to listen to your body and move at your own pace.

  • Sometimes breathwork can bring emotions to the surface. This may show up as laughter, tears, or moments of insight. Every experience is unique, and whatever arises is welcome.

  • After a session, we recommend giving yourself a little space to land. Drinking water, eating something nourishing, resting, going for a gentle walk, or taking a few moments to journal can all support integration. Some people feel energized afterwards, while others feel soft, calm, or more inward. Both are completely natural.

  • Sessions usually last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the format. You can find all details under “The Workshops”.

  • Yes. Many participants join their first breathwork session with us. Everything is guided step by step so you can explore the practice at your own pace.

PREPARATION

  • Give yourself the best experience by arriving with an open mind and a calm body. Try to avoid heavy meals 1–2 hours before the session and wear comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe and move easily. No prior experience is needed.

  • It’s best not to arrive with a very full stomach. We recommend avoiding heavy meals for about 1–2 hours before the session. A light snack beforehand is absolutely fine.

  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and breathe freely. Layers are often helpful, as body temperature can change during the practice.

  • You usually don’t need to bring much. All essential equipment such as mats, blankets, and props is typically provided. You may want to bring a water bottle and, if you like, a notebook to capture insights or reflections after the session.

BREATHWORK SAFETY

  • Breathwork can have profound effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and emotional processing. When practiced in a guided and safe environment, it is generally safe for healthy individuals.

    However, certain techniques — especially those involving faster breathing patterns or extended breath holds — can be physiologically intense and may not be suitable for everyone.

    At keur, our safety protocols are developed in collaboration with the University Hospital Basel, helping us ensure that our practices are informed by current scientific understanding and applied in a responsible, safe and ethical way.

  • For safety reasons, we ask that you do not participate in our workshops if you have any of the following conditions:

    • Neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke)

    • Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease)

    • Metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes)

    • Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD)

    • Anxiety or panic disorders

    If you are unsure whether breathwork is right for you, please consult your doctor before joining.

  • As some breathwork techniques can create stronger physiological responses, we do not recommend participating in our workshops during pregnancy.

    However, gentle breathing practices can be very supportive during pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester), such as light, slow, and deep breathing practices.

  • If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether breathwork is appropriate for you, it’s best to consult your doctor before participating.

    You are also very welcome to reach out to us directly. We are happy to help you find a safe and supportive way to explore breathwork

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

  • You can book all of our workshops, retreats, and trainings directly through our website. Simply visit our Schedule + Booking page, choose the experience that feels right for you, and follow the booking steps. If you have any questions before booking, you are always welcome to contact us.

  • Our main hub is in Zürich, Switzerland, where many of our workshops and trainings take place across different locations. We also teach globally, so please check the location of each event, retreat, or training when booking.

  • keur retreats are designed for all levels and held in carefully chosen locations across Switzerland and beyond. At home, we gather in the Swiss mountains and in sunny Ticino. Abroad, we host retreats in places like Germany, Portugal, Mallorca and Menorca, and continue to curate new experiences in inspiring settings around the world, including our upcoming Breath + Surf Retreat in Nicaragua.

  • Yes. If you are interested in a private breathwork session, please reach out to us directly through our Contact page. We will be happy to explore possibilities with you.

  • Yes. keur designs breathwork workshops and wellbeing programs for companies, teams and organizations — from one-off sessions to longer-term partnerships. Visit our Corporate page to explore our offerings, see the Brands + Concepts we collaborate with, and find the right fit for your team.

HOW TO LEARN MORE

  • A great way to start is by joining one of our workshops, such as our signature class The Breath or a Breathwork Intensive. You can find all upcoming sessions under Schedule + Booking on our website (in-person + online).

    For a deeper and immersive experience, we recommend joining one of our international The Breath Retreats, or practicing with us from anywhere in the world through our online course.

  • Yes. We offer professional breathwork trainings, including our Breathwork Teacher Training and our 20-hour Breathwork Training. Both programs are designed to deepen your understanding of the practice and include certification upon completion.

  • Yes. We offer different ways to practice with us online, including live workshops and digital courses. You can find upcoming online sessions under Schedule + Booking, and discover our online courses here.

ABOUT KEUR

  • keur was founded by Manuela Schoepfer and Matthias Hunkeler — two of the early voices shaping modern breathwork in Europe. The name comes from the French coeur, meaning heart, and that is where everything begins. Every workshop, retreat and training is carefully curated, rooted in the meeting point of ancient wisdom and modern science — designed as a heart-opening experience, grounded in ongoing research with leading institutions including the University Hospital Basel, where the keur method is continually measured and refined.

  • We are a small and heartfelt team. Most of our experiences are guided by Matthias and Manuela, with Thom increasingly supporting across our different formats. You can meet all of our team members here.

  • Yes. The keur method is strongly informed by scientific research, helping us design practices that are both effective and safe. Our work combines modern insights from physiology and neuroscience with established breathing traditions.

    We collaborate closely with Dr. Sebastian Dietsche, part of our Research + Education team at keur and a specialist in Internal Medicine at the University Hospital Basel, working in the field of psychosomatic medicine and mind–body interactions.

  • You can reach out to us anytime through our Contact page on the website.