A few months ago, I saw bestselling author and integrative physician, Dr. Andrew Weil, speak about a breathing technique on the Dr. Oz Show. He called it “a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system,” and in today’s busy, stress-filled society, we could all use a natural tranquilizer once in a while!
It’s known as the 4-7-8 Relaxing Breath exercise, and the best part is it takes only a minute and a half each day to practice. While many people see immediate benefits, these increase over time.
I recently added this exercise to my daily routine, and I love it. So, of course, I have to share it with all my elevated friends because it’s so simple, doesn’t take much time, and offers so many benefits! (See video below for Dr. Weil demonstrating the technique.)
The exercise must be done twice per day, at four cycles each time. Dr. Weil uses it before his morning meditation and at night when he lays down to sleep, and that is how I began incorporating into my life. I actually find it improves my meditation session and relaxes me before I even begin my mantra. I also use it whenever I feel stressed, anxious or triggered by something, and it immediately sends me into a place of calm.
Dr. Weil said this breath is the “single best method” he has found for falling back to sleep if he wakes up in the middle of the night, and it is also a very powerful anti-anxiety tool – even helping those with panic disorders.
“You are putting a signal into your nervous system and the effects of this are cumulative,” he said. “I guarantee you, if you will stick with this you will be amazed at what you will see.”
All you need to do is place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of the tissue right behind your front teeth, inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold it for a count of seven, and then exhale through your mouth making a “whoosh” sound for a count of eight. Do this for four cycles.
After a month of practice, this can be done for up to eight cycles at a time, twice per day, and also as needed throughout the day. Not only do you get immediate relief, but you are retraining your body and nervous system to function differently.
Watch Dr. Weil explain the technique and demonstrate it in the below video, and I hope you like it as much as I do!
Tammy Mastroberte is a three-time, award-winning writer, founder of Elevated Existence, and publisher and editorial director of the multi-award-winning Elevated Existence Magazine. She started the new age, spiritual and self-improvement publication at age 30 – eight years after the sudden death of her mother from a brain aneurysm only three days after Christmas in 1999. This tragedy led her down a synchronistic path to discover her purpose and the meaning behind many of the events in her life – including her mother’s death. She now shares her guidance, and the wisdom of today’s top authors and spiritual celebrities through Elevated Existence Magazine. Follow her on Twitter: @ElevatedTammy or on Instagram: elevatedtammy. For more information, visit www.tammymastroberte.com.