The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a breathing pattern developed by Dr. Andrew Weil. It’s based on an ancient yogic technique called pranayama, which helps practitioners gain control over their breathing.
The technique can achieve the following:
• reduce anxiety
• help you to get sleep
• managing cravings
• controlling or reducing anger responses
How to do it:
Before starting the breathing pattern, adopt a comfortable sitting or lying position
• empty the lungs of air, breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds
• hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds
• exhale through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a "whoosh" sound, for 8 seconds
• repeat the cycle up to 4 times
Dr. Weil recommends using the technique at least twice a day to start seeing the benefits sooner. He also suggests that people avoid doing more than four breath cycles in a row until they have more practice with the technique.
A person may feel lightheaded after doing this for the first few times. Therefore, it is advisable to try this technique when sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness or falls.
- you can now select male or female voice for vocal cues
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