Breathing Techniques

Explore time-tested breathwork practices for relaxation, focus, and mindful living.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Also known as belly breathing or deep breathing. Focus on breathing deeply into your diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing. This foundational technique helps you build awareness of your natural breath rhythm and supports relaxation.

How to practice: Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly rise while your chest stays relatively still. Exhale slowly. Start with 5-10 breaths.

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Coherent Breathing

Also called paced breathing or resonant breathing. Breathing at a steady, comfortable rhythm - typically around 5-6 breaths per minute. This structured practice helps you find your natural breathing rate and build consistency.

How to practice: Breathe in for 5 counts, breathe out for 5 counts. Maintain this steady rhythm. If 5 counts feels uncomfortable, adjust to 4 or 6. Practice for 5-10 minutes.

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Box Breathing

Also known as Sama Vritti Pranayama or square breathing. Equal-length inhale, hold, exhale, and pause. A structured practice for building steady breathing patterns and supporting focus.

How to practice: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, pause for 4 counts. Repeat for 5-10 rounds. Adjust the count length to your comfort level.

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4-7-8 Breathing

A calming breathing sequence with specific timing: inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This pattern may help you wind down before sleep or during moments when you want to feel calmer.

How to practice: Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts. Repeat 4-8 times. Practice sitting or lying down.

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Alternate Nostril Breathing

Known as Nadi Shodhana or Anuloma Viloma in yoga. Breathing through alternating nostrils to support balance and calm. A traditional pranayama technique practiced for centuries.

How to practice: Close right nostril, inhale through left. Close left nostril, exhale through right. Inhale through right. Close right, exhale through left. This is one round. Start with 5-10 rounds.

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Pursed Lip Breathing

Breathing in through the nose and out through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. This technique helps slow down your breathing and may support relaxation.

How to practice: Inhale slowly through your nose for 2 counts. Purse your lips as if whistling. Exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4 counts. The exhale should be twice as long as the inhale.

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Ujjayi Breathing

Also called ocean breath or victorious breath. Breathing with a gentle constriction in the back of the throat, creating a soft sound. A foundational yoga breathing technique for focus during practice.

How to practice: Slightly constrict the back of your throat (like fogging a mirror). Breathe in and out through your nose, creating a soft ocean-like sound. Maintain steady, controlled breaths.

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Kapalabhati

Skull shining breath. A more active breathing technique with forceful exhales and passive inhales. This is an intermediate-to-advanced practice that should be learned with proper guidance.

How to practice: Sit comfortably with straight spine. Take a deep breath in. Exhale forcefully through your nose by contracting your abdomen. Let the inhale happen passively. Start with 20-30 breaths. Not for beginners.

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Bhramari

Bee breath or humming bee breath. Making a humming sound during exhale. The vibration and sound may support relaxation and help you focus inward.

How to practice: Sit comfortably. Inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, make a low-pitched humming sound like a bee. Feel the vibration in your head. Repeat 5-10 times.

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Breath Holds

Holding your breath after inhale or exhale for specific durations. An advanced technique that should be practiced gradually and with awareness. Not recommended for beginners without guidance.

How to practice: Start with short holds (2-3 seconds) after comfortable breaths. Never force or strain. Stop if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. Progress gradually over weeks and months.

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Safety Guidelines

Important: These techniques are for general wellness and educational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any breathwork practice, especially if you have any medical conditions.

Practice Safely

  • Always practice in a safe, comfortable environment
  • Sit or lie down - never practice while driving or operating machinery
  • Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable
  • Don't force your breath or push beyond your comfortable capacity
  • Start with beginner-level techniques and progress gradually
  • Listen to your body and respect your limits

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Consult your doctor before practicing breathwork if you:

  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
  • Have high or low blood pressure
  • Have a history of seizures or epilepsy
  • Have anxiety, panic disorder, or other mental health conditions
  • Are taking any medications
  • Have any chronic medical conditions

Practice with Guided Instruction

Get step-by-step guidance for all these techniques in the Yogi Breath app

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