and circulatory systems please consult your health practitioner before proceeding.

In regards to breathing through the nose or through the mouth, there is a generalization: nostril breathing brings relaxation while mouth breathing brings energy. Having said this, different techniques may use either for specific purposes.

The breath brings the oxygen and chi into the body to utilize it in the moment and to store it for future use. The process is complex in that so much is going on underneath what appears simple. Our opportunity is to learn and use the trusting the body wisdom uses the energy correctly.

I will introduce you to 10 different breathing techniques, some described and some presented on videos listed to the left. Some of those on the left are not talked about here but are additional techniques for you to experience. It is all about consciously reducing stress and bringing one’s whole self back to a place of balance.

1. Relaxation breath
   Breathe in through the nose to the belly at a steady pace for the count of 4. Hold for a count of 6. Release the air through the mouth slowly for a count of 8. Hold for a count of 6. Then repeat for 10 times. This is a relaxation breath that trains us to breathe in and out slowly. The pauses at each end allow the chi to be stored in the second chakra point, the dan tien. Increasing the numbers extends the process. Remember, the slower the breathing, the more effective the balance and relaxation.
2. Breath of Fire
   This is for generating energy and warmth quickly. Use it when drowsy, focus is needed, or you want to warm up by generating a lot of chi. Please refer to the YOUTube video to the left for a demonstration of this breath technique.
3. Connected Breath
   Born in the Rebirthing movement of the 80’s, this technique involves breathing in and out through the nose without any pauses at the end of the inhalation or the exhalation. This supercharges the body with oxygen and chi, encouraging the release of toxins and stagnate energy. Useful when emotion is rising to support the full cleanse of the trigger event. Perform in slow paced sets of 12 cycles.
4. Cleansing Breath
   Ventilates and cleanses the lungs and stimulates the cells and gives a general tone to the respiratory organs. Refreshes the entire system. Particularly useful for singers and speakers. (1) Inhale a complete breath through the nose, (2) Retain the air for a few seconds, (3) pucker the lips, exhale a little air through the opening with great vigor. Then stop, midstream, for a moment, retaining the air, and then release a little more. Repeat the cycle to all air is completely exhaled.
5. Alternate Nostril Breathing
   See the YOUTube video on the left.
6. Brain Balance
   Breathe very slowly in through the nose doing your best to make no sound. Hold the breath briefly at completion of the inhalation. Then slowly release the air without sound through the nose. Tip of tongue is touching the roof of the mouth for the entire cycle. Continue until you feel balanced. Will unify and balance the hemispheres of the brain giving one full access to ones faculties.
7. Complete Yogic Breathing
   Please refer to Learn Correct Yogic Breathing video on the left.
8. Retained breath
   Valuable to respiratory organs, digestive organs, nervous system and blood. The breath gathers waste matter and cleanses the lungs. To practice, (1) Stand erect, (2)Inhale a complete yogic breath, (3) Retain the air as long as you comfortably can, (4) Exhale vigorously through the open mouth, and (5) practice the cleansing breath.
9. Cooling breath
   Place tongue against roof of mouth. Take short panting inhalations through the mouth. Close your mouth. Hold your breath in. Let the coolness flow through you.. Release when you cannot hold any longer. Repeat two or three times. Revitalize your thirst.
10. Revitalizing Breath
    Stand. Inhale basic relaxation breath as you make fists w/both hands and bring them to your chest. Hold the breath as you stretch arms out to the side, opening up chest. Still holding breath, clasp hands behind back. As you exhale, bend over bringing forehead to knees with hands way over head. Inhale and slowly unwind back up with chin tucked to chest. Fully erect, exhale and notice fresh energy

Re-learning to breathe is a life changing process. As indicated, toxic energies retained within the energy bodies can be released during conscious breathing techniques. This can lead to temporary physical experiences as the toxicity is cleansed. Your body wisdom does not allow you to go very far beyond what it knows you are able to handle in this moment. Monitor yourself and trust your guidance.

If you have physical challenges, especially with respiratory