Types of Breathing Exercises

There are many different types of breathing exercises, each with its own unique benefits. Here are 16 types of Breathing Exercises:

1. Diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing or deep breathing, is a technique of breathing that involves the contraction of the diaphragm muscle located below the lungs. This type of breathing helps to bring air into the lungs more efficiently, as it allows for more oxygen to enter the body and more carbon dioxide to be expelled. Diaphragmatic breathing has numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving digestion, and enhancing athletic performance. To practice diaphragmatic breathing, one should sit or lie down comfortably and place a hand on the abdomen, inhaling deeply through the nose while expanding the belly, and exhaling slowly through the mouth while contracting the abdominal muscles.
2. Box breathing: Box breathing, also known as four-square breathing, is a breathing technique that involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding the breath again in a pattern of four equal counts. This technique helps to regulate breathing and calm the mind by balancing the autonomic nervous system. The benefits of box breathing include reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and mental clarity, and enhancing physical performance. To practice box breathing, one should sit or lie down comfortably and inhale through the nose for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of four, exhale through the nose for a count of four, and hold the breath again for a count of four before repeating the cycle.
3. Alternate nostril breathing: Alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, is a breathing technique that involves alternating the inhalation and exhalation between the left and right nostrils using the fingers to block one nostril at a time. This technique helps to balance the flow of energy in the body, calm the mind, and reduce stress and anxiety. The benefits of alternate nostril breathing include improving lung function, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing blood pressure. To practice alternate nostril breathing, one should sit in a comfortable position, place the right thumb over the right nostril, inhale through the left nostril, then close the left nostril with the right ring finger, release the thumb, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat the process, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it with the thumb, and exhaling through the left nostril.
4. Resonance breathing: Resonance breathing, also known as coherent breathing, is a breathing technique that involves breathing at a specific rate to induce a physiological state of coherence in the body’s systems. This technique involves inhaling and exhaling at a rate of five to six breaths per minute, which is slower than the typical breathing rate of 12-15 breaths per minute. By synchronizing the breath with the heart rate variability, resonance breathing can improve the autonomic nervous system’s balance, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. The benefits of resonance breathing include reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and enhancing cognitive performance. To practice resonance breathing, one should sit comfortably and inhale through the nose for a count of five or six, and exhale through the nose for the same count. Focusing on the sound and sensation of the breath can enhance the benefits of this technique.
5. Kapalabhati breathing: Kapalabhati breathing, also known as skull-shining breath, is a type of pranayama or breathing technique that involves forceful exhalations through the nose followed by passive inhalations. This technique involves rapid, strong exhalations while the inhalations are more passive, resulting in a pumping action of the diaphragm that helps to cleanse the lungs and stimulate the digestive system. The benefits of Kapalabhati breathing include increasing lung capacity, improving digestion, reducing stress, and enhancing mental clarity. However, it is not recommended for people with respiratory or heart problems, and beginners should start with slow, gentle breathing before gradually increasing the intensity. To practice Kapalabhati breathing, one should sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine, inhale gently, then exhale forcefully through the nose by contracting the lower belly. The inhalation should happen passively, as the abdomen relaxes. It is usually practiced in sets of 10-20 breaths, followed by a deep inhalation and exhalation.
6. Equal breathing: Equal breathing, also known as Sama Vritti Pranayama, is a breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling for an equal count. This technique aims to balance the breath, calm the mind, and reduce stress and anxiety. By regulating the breath, equal breathing can help to improve oxygenation, enhance mental clarity, and promote relaxation. The benefits of equal breathing include reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and enhancing cognitive function. To practice equal breathing, one should sit comfortably with a straight spine, inhale through the nose for a count of four, and exhale through the nose for the same count. One can gradually increase the count to six or eight, depending on their comfort level. Focusing on the sound and sensation of the breath can enhance the benefits of this technique.
7. Pursed lip breathing: Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique that involves exhaling through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. This technique aims to slow down the breathing rate, increase oxygen exchange, and reduce shortness of breath, particularly in individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. By creating a slight back-pressure in the airways, pursed lip breathing can help to improve lung function and reduce the effort of breathing. The benefits of pursed lip breathing include improving exercise tolerance, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. To practice pursed lip breathing, one should inhale gently through the nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, making a slight “whooshing” sound. The exhalation should be longer than the inhalation, and one should focus on the sensation of the breath as it moves in and out of the body.
8. 4-7-8 breathing: 4-7-8 breathing, also known as the Relaxing Breath, is a breathing technique that involves inhaling for a count of 4, holding the breath for a count of 7, and exhaling for a count of 8. This technique aims to regulate the breath, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation. By extending the exhalation, 4-7-8 breathing can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and relaxation response. The benefits of 4-7-8 breathing include reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and promoting a sense of calmness. To practice 4-7-8 breathing, one should sit comfortably with a straight spine, inhale gently through the nose for a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7, then exhale slowly through the mouth, making a slight “whooshing” sound, for a count of 8. One can repeat this cycle for several rounds, focusing on the sound and sensation of the breath. It is recommended to practice this technique twice a day or as needed for stress reduction.
9. Belly breathing: Belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, is a technique that involves breathing deeply and fully from the abdomen, rather than shallowly from the chest. This type of breathing engages the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located between the chest and abdomen, and helps to slow down the heart rate, reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion, and increase oxygenation of the blood. To practice belly breathing, one should find a comfortable seated or lying position, place one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen, inhale deeply through the nose, allowing the belly to expand, and exhale slowly through the mouth, letting the belly naturally contract.
10. Counted breathing: Counted breathing is a mindfulness technique that involves inhaling and exhaling for a specific count. The technique is designed to bring focus to the breath and calm the mind. Counted breathing can help reduce stress, anxiety, and increase mental clarity. Additionally, counted breathing can improve physical well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body. To practice counted breathing, find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Then, inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. Repeat this process for several minutes, gradually increasing the count as you become more comfortable with the technique.
11. Lion’s breath: Lion’s breath is a yoga breathing technique, also known as Simhasana pranayama. It involves taking a deep inhalation through the nose, followed by a forceful exhalation through the mouth while sticking out the tongue and making a “ha” sound. The technique is said to release tension in the face, throat, and chest, and is believed to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and increase energy. Additionally, lion’s breath can help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can induce a state of calm and relaxation. To practice lion’s breath, come into a comfortable seated position, and take a deep breath in through the nose. As you exhale, open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and forcefully exhale while making the “ha” sound. Repeat the process several times, making sure to fully exhale each time.
12. Humming bee breath: Humming bee breath, also known as Bhramari pranayama, is a yogic breathing technique that involves inhaling deeply through the nose and then exhaling while making a humming sound, similar to the buzzing of a bee. This technique is said to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and concentration. Additionally, humming bee breath can help to relieve tension in the body and promote relaxation. The sound vibration of the humming can also stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the sinuses, which can help to alleviate congestion and improve respiratory function. To practice humming bee breath, sit comfortably in a quiet place, and take a deep breath in through your nose. As you exhale, close your eyes and make a humming sound while keeping your lips gently closed. Repeat this process for several rounds, focusing on the vibration of the sound and the sensation of relaxation in the body.
13. Sitali breathing: Sitali breathing is a yoga pranayama technique that involves inhaling through the mouth, with the tongue curled into a tube shape, and exhaling through the nose. The word “sitali” means “cooling” in Sanskrit, and this technique is known to have a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind. Sitali breathing is said to reduce stress and anxiety, regulate body temperature, and improve digestion. Additionally, this technique can help to purify the blood and reduce inflammation in the body. To practice Sitali breathing, sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. Curl your tongue into a tube shape, and inhale deeply through your mouth, feeling the coolness of the breath on your tongue. Hold the breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your nose. Repeat the process for several rounds, focusing on the sensation of coolness and calmness in the body.
14. Ujjayi breathing: Ujjayi breathing is a pranayama technique commonly used in yoga. It involves breathing deeply through the nose while slightly constricting the back of the throat, creating a soft hissing or oceanic sound. Ujjayi breathing is believed to calm the mind, increase oxygenation in the body, and regulate the nervous system. Additionally, it can help to improve lung function, increase endurance during physical exercise, and promote relaxation. The technique is often used in conjunction with physical yoga postures to deepen the practice and bring a sense of mindfulness to the movements. To practice Ujjayi breathing, sit or stand in a comfortable position with a straight spine. Inhale deeply through the nose while slightly constricting the back of the throat, creating the hissing sound. Exhale through the nose while maintaining the same constriction in the throat. Repeat this process for several rounds, focusing on the sound and sensation of the breath.
15. Bhastrika breathing: Bhastrika breathing is a powerful pranayama technique that involves rapid and forceful inhalations and exhalations through the nose. The word “bhastrika” means “bellows” in Sanskrit, and this technique is known to stimulate and energize the body. Bhastrika breathing is said to increase lung capacity, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. Additionally, it can help to clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve mental focus. To practice Bhastrika breathing, sit comfortably with your back straight and your hands on your knees. Inhale deeply and rapidly through your nose, filling your lungs with air, and then exhale forcefully through your nose, emptying your lungs completely. Repeat this process for several rounds, gradually increasing the speed and force of the breath. Take a short break between rounds to rest and observe the effects of the practice on your body and mind.
16. Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama: Anulom Vilom, also known as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, is a pranayama technique commonly used in yoga. It involves alternate nostril breathing, where one nostril is closed off while breathing in and out through the other nostril, and then the process is repeated on the other side. This technique is believed to balance the energy flow in the body and calm the mind. Anulom Vilom is said to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve lung function, and promote mental clarity. Additionally, it can help to purify the nadis, or energy channels, in the body, promoting overall health and vitality. To practice Anulom Vilom, sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine. Close your eyes and place your right thumb over your right nostril, inhale deeply through your left nostril, and then close your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril, and then inhale through the same nostril. Close off the right nostril with your thumb, and exhale through the left nostril. Repeat this process, alternating between nostrils, for several rounds. Focus on the sensation of the breath and the calmness of the mind.