Coherent Breathing

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Coherent Breathing

Having just returned from teaching yoga on the inspiring ESTA SUMMER COURSE 2019 (European String Teachers Association) I wanted to share the simple and powerful breathing technique we used as a daily practice during the week. It has many amazing benefits and I have attached the website below for further reading and information on these.

Coherent Breathing

We inhale and exhale through the nose without forcing. Beginning with the count of 3 and building to 5 over time - be sure to start with a low count and only lengthen when comfortable.

A never ending circle of breath

Imagine breathing in up through the front of the body and exhaling down the back and into the ground. The in-breath merging into the out-breath, exhale melting into the inhale. Allowing a gentle, slow gear change from one to the other without pausing.

Just like a wave, enjoy the gathering tension of the in-breath that gives way to the release of the exhalation.

To prepare

  • Take a full breath in through the nose and then a resting breath out through the mouth

  • Inhale though the nose and release the exhale with “the whispered ah” - feeling the breath drop down through the body

The Technique

  • Starting with a count of 3

  • IN 2 3 OUT 2 3

  • Repeat this until you are comfortable

  • IN 2 3 4 OUT 2 3 4

  • Repeat tis until you are comfortable

  • IN 2 3 4 5 OUT 2 3 4 5

  • FIVE is the optimal count for receiving all the benefits of this exercise. But be patient and enjoy the process, take your time.

https://www.sheaheart.com/coherent-breathing-the-fundamental-quiescent-rhythm/