Breathwork for Relaxation

Students and Clients frequently ask me - "What is the correct way to breathe?" ... There is no simple answer to this question as the optimal breathing pattern at any given moment depends on what is happening and what is the desired outcome.

This exercise is a beginning breath-work technique that will focus solely on relaxation with an emphasis on creating a calm and serene state of being. Try the following technique for cultivating breathing patterns that will enhance relaxation and well being.

ABDOMINAL:

1. Lie on your back in a comfortable position ( with your knees raised or lowered), or sit in a chair with your legs uncrossed and your feet on the ground, or stand in front of a mirror.
2. Place one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest.
3. Breathe so that the hand on your abdomen rises first as you inhale and falls as you exhale.
4. Repeat 5 -10 times.

COUNTING BREATHS:

1. Using the abdominal breathing technique, breathe in through the nostrils slowly, and deeply filling your lungs with air.
2. Exhale through your mouth slowly to a specific count (i.e. breathe in ..... breathe out, 1, breathe in ... breath out, 2, etc.)
3. Count from 1 to 10 and 10 back down to 1. Try to do this at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. I find it is a wonderful practice to do upon awaking and just before bedtime every day.
4. To help focus visualize the numbers after each breath, make them larger or smaller ... give them colors or textures. Don't worry if your mind wanders or you lose count, when you recognize it just return to the count.

Happy Breathing !!!
Be Happy & Be Healthy