Complimentary Breathwork Practices

When you breathe at 4-6 breaths per minute, it has an adaptogenic effect on your nervous system. If you're up, it will bring you down; if you're down, it will bring you up. You can practice balancing breathing standing, sitting, lying down, even whilst driving. It is always safe, appropriate and healthy. 

• practice any time, day or night
• use before high-stress meetings and presentations
• use if you're feeling lethargic midday
• use during all yoga practices, and low-intensity exercise

When you reduce your breath to below 4 breaths per minute, it triggers a strong parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system response. It reduces your heart rate, reduces activity in skeletal muscles, and improves digestion. This type of breathing is perfect after meals, in the evening and right before bed. This practice should be done seated or lying down. Never whilst driving or doing anything standing or active. Do not do this in water, or when driving. 

Students often fall asleep whilst using relaxing breathing, therefore only practice this where appropriate. 

• use before bed
• can be used (with care) to reduce stress and anxiety
• after eating, this breathing pattern can aid digestion