How to do 4-7-8 Yoga Breathing
The 4-7-8 breathing technique, sometimes referred to as "yoga breathing," is a simple breathing exercise that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Here's how to do it:
Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, with your back straight.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.
Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, and keep it there throughout the exercise.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound to a count of eight.
This completes one cycle. Repeat the process three more times for a total of four breath cycles.
The key is to maintain a consistent ratio of 4:7:8 for the inhalation, holding the breath, and exhalation, respectively. This breathing pattern is believed to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. It's often recommended to practice this technique regularly for optimal benefits.