Relax and calm your mind with this easy to master breathing technique.

“Why bother to sweep the leaves, sit quietly and let the wind do its work.” ~ Shaman Adage

Dr. Andrew Weil, medical doctor, professor and best selling author, insists that this technique must be practiced at least twice a day for eight weeks, in order to reap the greatest benefits. After a month, he says, increase to eight breath cycles.

According to Dr. Weil, “By imposing certain rhythms on the breath with your voluntary system, gradually these are induced in the involuntary nervous-system.” In this way, the long term benefits are formed by training your body to completely relax itself every time you complete this breath cycle.

This technique can be applied to reduce anxiety, stress, or even cravings like cigarettes or junk food. Next time something stresses you out or aggravates you, take a brief moment to complete these breath cycles before you react to the situation. You’ll be amazed at your newfound clarity and calmness.

As we know, anxiety and stress typically cause us to fall into a rapid, shallow breathing pattern. However, the opposite is also true: if we get into the habit of shallow breathing, stress will often follow. Oxygen, of course, is critical to maintaining the health of our body and mind, but moreover, the way we intake oxygen is just as important.

Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, where the curvature comes to an edge behind your front teeth. Then, with your mouth closed, inhale through your nose for the count of four. Hold that breath for the count of seven, then exhale through your mouth loudly, creating a “whooshing” noise. Make sure your tongue remains in place the entire time. Without stopping, repeat this pattern for no more than four cycles.

For this technique, the speed of your breath doesn’t matter, so long as you maintain the proper ‘4,7,8’ ratio.

Breathe in for a count of 4

….

Hold breath for a count of 7

…….

Breathe out for a count of 8

……..

This breathing pattern puts you into a relaxed and pleasantly sedated state of consciousness.

“For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth”. ~ Sanskrit Proverb