I usually start my massage session by having the clients take a couple deep breaths and me matching their breathing so that they can relax from their breathing and I get to connect with them. Usually people take a nice long deep breath but sometimes I see people take deep breaths like this which throws me off because I’m trying to match their breathing. This week I’m going to show you a simple breathing technique to relax fast. This is useful when you are panicky and want to calm yourself down or if have trouble falling asleep.
It’s called “4-7-8” method and it was introduced by a holistic health doctor, Dr. Andrew Weil. It goes like this.
Exhale all the air out from your mouth. Breathe in from your nose silently for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Then breathe out from your mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of eight. That’s it. Set the counting speed something that you are comfortable with and you can relax with. Don’t torture yourself by holding your breath too slow. And stay relaxed while you hold your breath rather than tightening your body like this.
Let me demonstrate. Close your eyes. Exhale all the air from your mouth. Take a deep breath from your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Then breathe out from your mouth with a sound for a count of eight. Again. Take a deep breath from your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Then breathe out from your mouth for a count of eight.
Repeat this at least four cycles or more if needed.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know how it works for you in the comment below.
6-6-16 4-7-8 Breathing Technique to Relax Fast and Fall Asleep http://bit.ly/mm-060616