Felipe Marx
Felipe Marx is one of Brazil’s foremost authorities on the application of the Neuroscience of Breathing to mental health and emotional regulation. As a postgraduate professor, researcher, and founder of the iBreathwork Institute, he has pioneered an evidence-based approach that merges modern science with conscious breathing techniques. His work provides accessible, scalable solutions for nervous system regulation.
His contributions are highly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM, particularly its focus on evidence-informed practices for global public health. By creating the first breathwork methodology officially recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Education, Felipe Marx exemplifies the integration of complementary practices into established educational and healthcare frameworks, a central theme of the congress.
Biography and Expertise of Felipe Marx
Felipe Marx has established himself as a pivotal figure in the evolution of therapeutic practices in Brazil, dedicating his career to building a robust scientific bridge between conscious breathing and mental health. His work is centered on the principle that physiological self-regulation is the foundation of emotional well-being. He developed a unique method that translates complex neuroscientific concepts into practical, structured, and accessible breathwork protocols.
This approach moves beyond traditional relaxation techniques, offering a precise, evidence-based modality for actively modulating the autonomic nervous system. Consequently, his work directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health,” providing a scientifically validated, non-pharmacological tool for mental health challenges. The methodology developed by Felipe Marx is intentionally designed to be precise and applicable, using elements like music and rhythm to guide participants into profound therapeutic states safely.
Furthermore, his expertise embodies the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” He integrates modern neuroscience and positive psychology with the ancient practice of conscious breathing, creating a powerful synthesis that respects tradition while demanding scientific rigor. This approach is fundamental to the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which champions science and evidence in traditional medicine. His focus on creating reproducible and scalable protocols ensures that the benefits of breathwork can be systematically studied and integrated into wider public health initiatives, promoting the creation of “Well-being Societies.”
Professional Career and Impact
The professional trajectory of Felipe Marx is defined by innovation, education, and a profound commitment to public well-being. Over more than a decade of dedicated practice and study, he identified a critical gap in mental health care: the need for accessible, body-based tools for emotional regulation. This insight led him to develop his proprietary breathwork method, a landmark achievement in the Brazilian therapeutic landscape.
His influence has expanded exponentially through his educational initiatives. Having guided over 51,000 individuals in conscious breathing experiences, his work has demonstrated significant reach and impact. These experiences range from introductory workshops to in-depth professional training, reflecting his ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. Therefore, his career is not just that of a practitioner but of a large-scale educator and system builder.
A key milestone in his career was the official recognition of his method by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). This validation elevates his work from an alternative practice to a credible, government-endorsed educational program, paving the way for its integration into schools, clinics, and hospitals. This accomplishment underscores his strategic vision for institutionalizing breathwork as a legitimate component of health and education. The title of Humanitarian Diplomat further recognizes his mission to apply these tools for broad societal benefit, solidifying the professional standing of Felipe Marx.
Academic Foundations and Educational Innovation
The academic framework supporting the work of Felipe Marx is intentionally interdisciplinary, combining the analytical rigor of neuroscience with the human-centric principles of positive psychology. His postgraduate specialization in these fields provides the scientific backbone for his breathwork methodology. This strong foundation allows him to deconstruct the physiological and psychological mechanisms of breathing, explaining *how* and *why* specific techniques yield therapeutic outcomes.
His most significant academic contribution is the creation and leadership of the Postgraduate course in the Neuroscience of Breathing. This pioneering program is the first of its kind in Brazil, representing a major step forward in formalizing the study and practice of breathwork. By establishing a comprehensive curriculum, he is creating a new generation of highly qualified professionals capable of applying these techniques with precision and safety. This directly aligns with the WCTCIM Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training.”
The mission of Felipe Marx to train 10,000 professionals is a testament to his commitment to creating a scalable public health solution. This educational goal extends beyond individual practice; it aims to build a national infrastructure of skilled practitioners who can implement respiratory protocols in diverse settings. Consequently, his academic work is fundamentally linked to a larger vision of societal well-being, leveraging education as a primary tool for transformative change in mental healthcare.
Research and Evidence-Based Methodology
As a dedicated researcher, Felipe Marx focuses on applied science, translating theoretical knowledge into tangible, effective practices. His research is centered on investigating the direct impact of structured respiratory protocols on the human nervous system. This involves a deep exploration of how specific rhythms, paces, and patterns of breathing can influence physiological states, such as heart rate variability (HRV), and modulate brain activity in regions associated with stress, emotion, and attention.
His primary contribution to the field is the development of an evidence-based therapeutic approach. Unlike generalized breathing advice, his method is built on repeatable, structured protocols designed for specific outcomes, such as anxiety reduction or enhanced focus. This commitment to scientific validation aligns perfectly with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, which emphasizes the need for a robust evidence base for TCIM practices to be integrated into mainstream healthcare.
While his work is primarily disseminated through educational programs and direct training, the research embedded within his curriculum serves as a form of publication itself. By educating thousands of students and professionals like Felipe Marx on the neurophysiological underpinnings of breathwork, he is actively building a community of practice grounded in science. This approach ensures that the knowledge is not just consumed but is also applied, tested, and validated in real-world clinical and wellness settings, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement and evidence generation.
Humanitarian Recognition and Societal Contribution
The impact of the work of Felipe Marx extends beyond academic and professional circles, earning him recognition for its significant societal value. His designation as a Humanitarian Diplomat is a notable honor that highlights the profound humanistic mission embedded in his professional activities. This title acknowledges his dedication to democratizing access to powerful mental health tools.
This recognition is not for a single achievement but for the overarching purpose of his work: to alleviate suffering and enhance human potential through accessible, non-invasive means. It reflects an understanding that true public health innovation involves empowering individuals and communities with the skills to manage their own well-being. Therefore, this award validates his efforts to bring his scientifically-grounded breathwork protocols to diverse populations, including those in high-stress environments or with limited access to conventional mental healthcare.
The title underscores his role as a leader whose contributions are measured in lives impacted and communities strengthened. In the context of the 3rd WCTCIM, this humanitarian focus aligns with the goal of building “Well-being Societies,” where health solutions are not only effective but also equitable and empowering. The recognition received by Felipe Marx serves as a powerful testament to the real-world positive change facilitated by his innovative integration of neuroscience and breathwork.
Leadership and Institutional Development
The leadership of Felipe Marx is most prominently expressed through his founding and direction of the Instituto de Neurociência da Respiração iBreathwork. This institution represents a critical step in the professionalization and standardization of breathwork as a therapeutic modality in Brazil. By creating a dedicated institute, he has established a central hub for research, education, and practice, fostering a community committed to excellence and ethical standards.
The institute serves as the primary vehicle for his ambitious educational mission. It provides the organizational structure needed to develop and deliver high-level training, including the pioneering postgraduate course. This act of institutional development is a form of governance and strategic leadership, shaping the future of the field by ensuring that practitioners are trained within a rigorous, science-based framework. Therefore, his role as a founder and director is analogous to serving on a board dedicated to the advancement of a discipline.
Through the iBreathwork Institute, Felipe Marx is effectively setting the agenda for evidence-based breathwork in South America. His work in building this institution contributes directly to the integration of TCIM into established systems, as it creates a credible entity that can interface with academic universities, healthcare organizations, and governmental bodies. This leadership is vital for the long-term sustainability and growth of the practice.
Connect with Felipe Marx
To further explore the innovative work of Felipe Marx and the educational programs offered through his institute, you can visit his official online platforms. These resources provide in-depth information on the Neuroscience of Breathing, upcoming courses, and his evidence-based approach to mental health and well-being.
Official Website (iBreathwork): Learn more at iBreathwork Brazil
Professional Instagram: Follow his work on Instagram