Breathwork Africa is a social enterprise and community network founded by Dr Ela Manga when she saw the potential of conscious breathing as a fundamental pillar in the practice of integrative medicine.

We chatted with Dr Ela Manga about the journey to creating Breathwork Africa…

Find out more about Breathwork Africa:

https://www.breathworkafrica.co.za/

@breathwork_africa

Tell us a bit about your background and your breathwork journey…

I am an integrative medical doctor committed to healing and bringing heart back into the art of medicine. My medical training was a step towards my true vocation as a facilitator of health and a catalyst for change.

​My healing philosophy is based on the partnership between doctor and patient who I believe are co-creators in the journey of health. It honours the inextricable connection between body, mind, heart and nature. I work with a methodology that supports the body’s self-healing ability and that is underpinned by evidence-based principles of healing.

​​Through individual consultations, talks, the facilitation of workshops, training, retreats and my writing, I present a framework of understanding illness and health through the multidimensional lens of western medicine, nature principles, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom traditions, leaving you more inspired and committed to living with optimum health and open-hearted resilience

What inspired you to start Breathwork Africa and when was it founded?

I realised that this medicine needed to be made available to as many people as possible in a grounded, science-backed manner while honouring its roots and the mystery of the breath. Although I was working extensively with breath in my medical practice, Breathwork Africa officially started in May 2018.

What is your mission with Breathwork Africa?

Breathwork Africa is manifesting its vision  through the art and science of Pneumanity breathwork as a tool of self-empowerment, healing and transformation. Through individual and group sessions, practitioner training, talks and workshops we are meeting a wide audience in Africa and globally.

We support children, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, NGO’s, creatives, activists, educators, athletes – anyone who is committed to physical and mental health, personal growth, wellbeing and greater self-awareness .

How is Breathwork Africa different from other wellness networks?

It offers Breathwork from a science-based approach while honouring its indigenous roots through the 7 Threads of Pneumanity – Sankofa, Safety, Ubuntu, Creativity, Embodiment, Wholeness and Mystery. We believe that Africa has vast knowledge and wisdom to offer the rest of the world and we do this conscious breathing.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting their breathwork or wellness journey?

To ensure they work with someone who is trained and certified by a recognised school of breathwork and to realise the breath is their own. For long enough humanity has given over their power to an external source – breathwork supports a sense of agency for each individual. There is no ‘magic pill’ for healing – it takes awareness and conscious commitment to integrate tools into daily life.

What do you have coming up for the rest of 2025 and 2026?

We have a Breathwork Foundation course in the Netherlands in September and an online one in November. We also offer Breathwork Masterclasses on the last Saturday of every month. Everyone is welcome and no experience is needed.

In 2026 we will be holding a Breath Immersive in India in January and then an array of breathwork trainings throughout the year.

Find out more about Breathwork Africa:

https://www.breathworkafrica.co.za/

@breathwork_africa

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