Three-part breath
If you feel dizzy, hear ringing in your ears or start feeling anxious, stop and breathe the way you normally do. Safety and limits
Headphones make this easier 🎧.
What it works with: this is the full breath. The inhale comes in three waves from the bottom up — belly, ribs, the top of the chest — so the whole body takes part rather than only the top of the chest, as it does in shallow breathing. What settles you is the smooth passage between the three.
Where to focus: lead your attention from the bottom up — first the belly, then the lower and middle ribs, and at the end the top of the chest.
How to breathe: the inhale has three smooth parts. First the belly expands a little. Then the lower and middle ribs expand. At the end of the inhale the air rises gently into the top of the chest, without lifting the shoulders. Then one long, smooth exhale.
All three parts should make one continuous wave, not three sharp inhales.
There is no need to inhale to your maximum. If you feel dizzy, return to natural breathing.
When to skip it
- if a deep inhale causes dizziness, pain or coughing
Preparing the practice…