Top 5 Breathing Techniques for Meditation

Curious About Our Favorite Top Breathing Techniques for Meditation?

If you have a meditation practice that you want to take to the next level, or if you’re looking to start a new meditation practice, you’ll want to explore these breathing techniques (keep reading)! Meditation is simply a choice to focus on something to the point that we become fully immersed in the experience. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years in various forms and is a key component of many spiritual and religious traditions. Meditation has numerous benefits, both for our mental and physical health. 

One of the most significant benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we meditate, we focus on the present moment and calm our minds, which can help us let go of worries and concerns that contribute to our stress levels. Numerous studies have shown that meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to reduced anxiety and improved emotional wellbeing.

Another key benefit of meditation is its ability to improve our focus and concentration. When we meditate, we learn to cultivate a state of mindfulness and present-moment awareness, which can help us stay focused and attentive throughout the day. Studies have found that regular meditation practice can improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, and decision-making.

Breathwork is an essential aspect of meditation and can deepen and enhance your meditation practice. 

We’re excited to share with you our favorite breathing techniques for meditation, and how you can incorporate them into your meditation practice.

But first, here are some of the key benefits of incorporating breathwork into your meditation practice:

1. Improving Physical Health: Breathwork has been shown to improve lung capacity, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation, which can have positive effects on our physical health. Deep breathing techniques can also help to reduce tension in the muscles and promote relaxation.
2. Heightening Self-Awareness: Focusing on the breath can help us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Through this awareness, we can gain insights into our patterns of thought and behavior, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding.
3. Connecting to the Present Moment: Breathwork is an excellent tool for grounding us in the present moment. By focusing on the breath, we can tune out distractions and become more fully present in the here and now.
4. Cultivating a Greater Sense of Inner Peace: Regular breathwork practice can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and calm. As we learn to regulate our breath and calm our mind, we can experience a deep sense of inner stillness and tranquility.

As you can see, breathwork can provide so much richness and depth to your meditation practices and has actually been in close relationship with meditation for centuries. 

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that translates to "extension of the life force energy." In the context of yoga, pranayama refers to a set of breathing techniques that are used to control the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body.

Pranayama techniques involve various patterns of inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention, with the aim of regulating the breath and cultivating awareness of the breath and its effects on the body and mind. Pranayama is considered an essential component of traditional yoga practice, along with asana (postures) and meditation.

The benefits of pranayama are said to be numerous, including:

• Improving respiratory function and increasing lung capacity
• Reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation
• Enhancing mental clarity and focus
• Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue
• Regulating the nervous system and promoting a sense of balance and harmony in the body

There are many different pranayama techniques, each with its own specific benefits and effects on the body and mind. Some common pranayama techniques include:

• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
• Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)
• Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath)
• Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)
• Sitali (Cooling Breath)
• Sitkari (Hissing Breath)

Here are the top 4 Pranayama Breathing Techniques for Meditation:

1. ​​Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This pranayama technique involves alternating the breath between the left and right nostrils. It is believed to help balance the flow of energy in the body and promote calmness and clarity of mind.
2. Bhramari (Bee Breath): Bhramari is a pranayama technique that involves making a humming sound while exhaling. This technique is said to calm the mind and reduce anxiety and stress.
3. Ujjayi (Victorious Breath): Ujjayi is a pranayama technique that involves breathing deeply and audibly through the nose while constricting the throat. This technique is believed to create a soothing sound that can help focus the mind and promote relaxation.
4. Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath): Kapalabhati is a pranayama technique that involves short, sharp exhales followed by passive inhales. This technique is said to help purify the body and mind, increase energy levels, and improve mental clarity.

Pranayama is considered a powerful tool for promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, it is important to practice pranayama with caution and under the guidance of a qualified teacher, as some techniques can be challenging or even harmful if not practiced correctly. 

If those breathing types aren’t for you, here's a bonus breathing technique (#5) that we love so much at One Breath Institute: Coherence Breathing.

Coherence Breathing is a technique that involves breathing at a specific rate to achieve a state of coherence in the body's physiological systems. The coherence state is characterized by increased heart rate variability, reduced levels of stress hormones, and improved immune function.

Coherence Breathing was developed by the HeartMath Institute, a nonprofit organization that conducts research on the science of the heart and its relationship to health, performance, and emotional well-being. Coherence Breathing is a specific breathing pattern designed to help individuals achieve a state of coherence, or harmony, between the heart, mind, and emotions.

Here's how the technique works:

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
2. Focus your attention on your heart center, which is located in the center of your chest.
3. Breathe slowly and deeply in a rhythmical pattern, inhaling for 5-6 seconds and exhaling for 5-6 seconds.
4. As you breathe, imagine that you are drawing in a feeling of peace and calm into your heart center, and exhaling any stress or tension from your body.
5. Continue this pattern of breathing for at least 5 minutes, or until you feel a sense of relaxation and inner balance.

According to the HeartMath Institute, practicing coherence breathing on a regular basis can help reduce stress, improve emotional balance, enhance cognitive performance, and increase overall well-being. It's a simple but powerful tool that can be used anytime, anywhere, to help bring greater coherence and harmony into your life.

Research suggests that coherence breathing can have a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function, and enhancing overall well-being. This technique can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and is a simple and effective way to promote relaxation and balance in the body. Here's what the research says about the benefits of coherence breathing:

1. Reduces Anxiety: A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that practicing coherence breathing for just five minutes significantly reduced anxiety and increased feelings of relaxation in a group of healthy adults.
2. Reduces Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Another study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine in 2018, found that coherence breathing was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in a group of university students.
3. Reduces Symptoms of PTSD: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2019 found that coherence breathing was effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of military veterans.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure: A study published in the Journal of Psychophysiology in 2020 found that coherence breathing was effective in reducing heart rate and blood pressure in a group of individuals with hypertension.

Overall, these studies suggest that coherence breathing can be a useful tool for managing stress, improving emotional well-being, and promoting overall health. Practicing coherence breathing for just a few minutes a day can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. So, next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a few minutes to focus on your breath and try coherence breathing. Your body and mind will thank you!

For a guided Coherence practice by Founder Lisa McNett, click here. 

As you can see, Breathwork is one of the most powerful tools you can use to enhance your meditation practice. Not only can it help calm the mind and body, but it can also increase mindfulness, improve focus, and deepen your overall meditation experience. 

By practicing these breathing techniques for meditation, you can learn to regulate your breath, quiet the mind, and become more present in the moment. This can have a profound impact on your daily life, helping you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate greater self-awareness and compassion. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator, incorporating breathwork into your practice can help you connect more deeply with your inner self, tap into your inner wisdom, and experience a greater sense of peace and clarity in your life. 

These are just a few of the many breathing techniques that can be used during meditation. If you’re looking to learn more about breathwork be sure to check out Breathwork Benefits for Your Mind, Body and Soul.

This article was about the top 5 breathing techniques for meditation and how they can positively impact your life right now.

by Debbie Schirmann