What is the difference between 9D Breathwork and SOMA Breath?

SOMA Breath uses rhythmic breathing with breath retention and mantra, drawing on pranayama traditions, often in shorter daily-practice sessions. 9D Breathwork uses sustained conscious connected breathing over a ~60 minute session with a nine-element multi-sensory soundtrack designed for deeper emotional release.

Which is easier for beginners?

Both are beginner-friendly. SOMA Breath can be easier to practice daily because sessions are shorter. 9D Breathwork is a longer experience, so most beginners start with a single guided online session and then decide how often to return.

Does 9D Breathwork use pranayama?

9D Breathwork uses conscious connected breathing rather than traditional pranayama patterns. The technique is continuous and circular, not rhythmic with retentions.

Can I train as both a SOMA and 9D facilitator?

Yes. Some practitioners hold certifications in multiple modalities. Training paths and communities are separate for each method.

9D Breathwork vs SOMA Breath

The short answer: 9D Breathwork and SOMA Breath are both modern breathwork methods that combine breath with music, but they use different techniques. SOMA Breath blends rhythmic breathing with breath retention, mantra and pranayama traditions in shorter daily-practice style sessions. 9D Breathwork uses sustained conscious connected breathing over a single ~60 minute session with a layered nine-element soundtrack, designed for deep emotional release and nervous system work.

Origins

SOMA Breath was created by Niraj Naik and draws on yogic pranayama traditions, combining rhythmic breathing with breath holds, mantra and music. 9D Breathwork is a modern multi-sensory breathwork system built around a produced nine-element soundtrack that guides a single continuous session.

Breathing technique

SOMA Breath is largely rhythmic and retention-based: structured breathing patterns with breath holds, often practiced for 15–30 minutes as part of a daily ritual. 9D Breathwork uses conscious connected breathing — a continuous, circular breath through the mouth, sustained for 30–45 minutes without pauses, with the nine-element soundtrack carrying the arc.

Music and production

Both methods feature music, but the role is different. SOMA Breath uses music as an accompaniment to the practitioner’s rhythmic breathing. 9D Breathwork uses a custom-produced soundtrack as the session architecture itself — the nine elements include binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, isochronic tones, subliminal affirmations, guided voice and body awareness cues, which is why 9D can be delivered consistently online.

Session format

SOMA Breath is often used as a shorter daily practice and is also delivered in retreat and group formats. 9D Breathwork is typically experienced as a weekly or bi-weekly 60 minute journey, either on your own online, in group sessions, or through a certified facilitator.

Training paths

Both methods offer facilitator certification for practitioners who want to lead sessions. 9D Breathwork offers a structured facilitator training program used by 1,300+ certified facilitators in 80+ countries. Learn more on our facilitator training page.

Who each suits best

SOMA Breath suits people who want a rhythmic daily breathing ritual rooted in pranayama traditions. 9D Breathwork suits people who want a deeper, longer session format with a multi-sensory soundtrack — for emotional release, nervous system regulation or transformational work — and who value consistency, online delivery and a global certified community.

Experience 9D Breathwork

Try a full 9D Breathwork session online with our online experience and feel the nine-element soundtrack for yourself.