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Breathing Exercise

Instructions for a simple abdominal breathing technique

There are many different breathing exercises. To get the most benefit, breathing exercises should be practiced every day, preferably not immediately after eating or on an empty stomach.

Tips:

  • In general, exhalation should be twice as long as inhalation. 
  • A rate of one full breath (inhalation and exhalation) every 10 seconds (for a total of 6 breaths per
  • minute) has been found to be most helpful for stabilizing the nervous system and reducing blood pressure.

The use of the hands on the chest and abdomen is needed only to help you train your breathing. Once you feel comfortable with your ability to breathe into your abdomen, you no longer need to place your hands on your chest and abdomen. 



Keywords:
integrative health, whole health, mindful awareness, meditation, mind and emotions, breathwork, abdominal breathing, yoga, hatha, pranayama, guided practice 
Doc ID:
150546
Owned by:
Sara A. in Osher Center for Integrative Health
Created:
2025-05-09
Updated:
2025-05-23
Sites:
Osher Center for Integrative Health