At just 24 years old, Niraj Naik was living a life that many would envy—a certified pharmacist with the title of “legal drug dealer.” His goal was to bring health and wellness to his local community. But instead of seeing the positive outcomes he had hoped for, Niraj found himself confronting a disturbing reality: patients were sent home with bags full of prescriptions but remained sick, and in many cases, their conditions worsened due to the side effects of their medications. This firsthand experience in the medical field sparked a profound shift in his approach to healing. Today, Niraj is the founder of SOMA Breath, a transformative system that empowers individuals to take charge of their health through the power of breathwork. In this exclusive Mystic Mag‘s interview, Niraj shares how his personal journey led him from the pharmaceutical world to discovering the profound impact of Pranayama techniques, creating a holistic health framework that goes beyond symptom management.
What inspired you to create SOMA Breath, and how did your personal journey and experiences influence the development of this holistic system?
My self healing journey! As a pharmacist, I saw first-hand how conventional medicine often addresses symptoms rather than the root causes of illness. Through the therapeutic power of music, breathwork, meditation, tantra, lifestyle changes and holistic practices like Ayurveda, I healed myself from chronic illness. This transformation led me to blend ancient pranayama techniques with modern insights, creating SOMA Breath to help others activate their “inner pharmacy” and unlock their potential for true health and happiness.
Can you explain how SOMA Breath techniques have the power to transform individuals down to a cellular level, and what scientific evidence supports these claims?
SOMA Breath transforms you by activating your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Techniques like rhythmic breathing and breath retention stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering deep relaxation and repair. Intermittent hypoxia, a key aspect of SOMA Breath, helps with oxygen efficiency and enhances cellular resilience. This process stimulates nitric oxide production, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing physical and mental performance. While these effects are supported by emerging scientific studies, the real magic lies in how this practice helps you align with your body’s innate ability to heal and thrive.
What type of services do you offer?
SOMA Breath offers guided breathwork sessions, online courses, personalized coaching, and instructor certification programs. We also host transformative retreats, workshops, and events worldwide. Recently, we launched the SOMA Breath app, making it easier than ever to access techniques that reduce stress, boost creativity, and elevate your quality of life from sleep to how you respond to the world around you Whether you’re looking for personal growth or to teach these powerful methods, our services are designed to help you improve all areas of life and awaken to your true potential.
What are some of the different types of workshops offered by SOMA Breath, and how do these workshops cater to various needs and goals of participants?
SOMA Breath workshops range from foundational sessions like the SOMA Awakening & Neurosomatic Programming [NSP] focusing on changing the story of what no longer serves you without even knowing the story. These powerful techniques enable emotional healing, manifestation, and enhanced creativity. Through our partnership with Cambridge University, a ground-breaking scientific study has proven that It is possible to change the brain on command and rewire it to reach desired outcomes bypassing the limitations of the mind as well as reducing stress, improve athletic performance, and tap into altered states of consciousness for profound insights. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, athletic improvement, or personal growth, these workshops provide tailored experiences that help you harness the power of your breath for lasting transformation.
How does SOMA Breath empower individuals to make lasting changes in their lives, and what tools or techniques are most critical in facilitating this transformation?
SOMA Breath empowers lasting change by giving you tools to regulate stress, harmonize your body, and unlock your potential. Key techniques include rhythmic breathing, which restores balance, and breath retention, which enhances resilience and vitality. Visualization practices help focus your intentions and manifest your dreams. These methods are easy to integrate into daily life and are supported by a vibrant community that keeps you motivated. With SOMA Breath, you not only learn how to take control of your health but also how to design a life filled with purpose and joy.