Welcome to a quick guide to familiarize you with some simple breathwork exercises! We've selected the most common ones to help you get started on feeling good. And there's a bonus – we've also chosen 10 great music tracks that go well with these exercises. It's like a straightforward combo of easy breathing techniques and a cool playlist to boost your experience. Let's jump in, explore breathwork, and enjoy some good tunes for relaxation!
🧘 List of 10 Most Common Breathwork Exercises
There are various types of breathwork exercises, each with its own unique techniques and benefits. Here is a list of 10 most common breathwork exercises.
Diaphragmatic Breathing (Deep Belly Breathing):
- Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand.
- Exhale fully through your mouth, contracting your diaphragm.
Box Breathing (Square Breathing):
- Inhale for a count of four.
- Hold the breath for a count of four.
- Exhale for a count of four.
- Hold the breath for a count of four.
- Repeat.
4-7-8 Breathing (Relaxing Breath):
- Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth for a count of eight.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana):
- Inhale through one nostril while blocking the other.
- Switch and exhale through the opposite nostril.
- Repeat, alternating nostrils.
Ujjayi Breath (Ocean Breath):
- Inhale deeply through your nose, slightly constricting the back of your throat.
- Exhale slowly through your nose, creating a gentle sound similar to ocean waves.
Kapalbhati (Skull-Shining Breath):
- Forcefully exhale through your nose, drawing your navel toward your spine.
- Inhale passively, allowing your lungs to fill naturally.
- Repeat the forceful exhale and passive inhale rhythmically.
Wim Hof Method (Power Breathing):
- Take 30 deep breaths in and out through the mouth.
- On the last exhale, hold your breath and then take a deep inhale, holding for as long as comfortable.
- Exhale and repeat the cycle.
Holotropic Breathwork:
- Involves rapid and deep breathing to induce altered states of consciousness.
- Typically done in a group setting and may include music and bodywork.
Buteyko Breathing:
- Focuses on reducing the depth and frequency of breathing to increase CO2 levels in the body.
- Emphasizes nasal breathing and breath-holding.
Pranayama:
- Refers to various yogic breathing techniques.
- Examples include Bhramari (humming bee breath), Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), and Bhastrika (bellows breath).
Remember that different breathwork exercises may have varying effects on individuals, and it's essential to choose a technique that suits your needs and goals. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Now, let's tune in to some music that you can pair with your breathwork exercises.
🎶 10 Best Music for Breathwork
1- Shamanic Drumming Journey:
The Shamanic Drumming Journey is an instrumental shamanic drumming meditation music track with a combination of flute, fire, and night sounds. This trance-inducing music along with a live recording of Om chanting will take you on a spiritual journey to a distant world of Shamanic drumming, which is one of the oldest musical instruments still in use today.
This music can be used for active breathing exercises such as Holotropic Breathwork.
2- Breathe Deeply:
"Breathe Deeply" is a singular musical composition crafted to harmonize seamlessly with your breathwork exercises. This track is designed to envelop you in a calming ambiance, synchronizing with the intentional cadence of your breath. Allow the soothing melody to be your exclusive companion on this journey of relaxation and mindfulness. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned in breathwork, let "Breathe Deeply" stand alone as the melodic backdrop to your moments of deliberate, deep breathing, guiding you towards a profound sense of inner calm and balance.
3- Breathe With Me:
The gentle and rhythmic tones of "Breathe With Me" guide you through each inhalation and exhalation, promoting a sense of connection with the present moment. Whether you're a novice or seasoned in meditation, this music becomes a supportive companion, encouraging a deep and focused breathing practice. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of "Breathe With Me" and let it be a calming presence as you embark on your journey of inner reflection and peace.
4- The Grounded Mystic:
"The Grounded Mystic" is an exquisite and calming meditation music that invites listeners to connect with nature, their inner selves, and their breathing. This music is designed to help you find peace and serenity in the present moment through its soft and melodic soundscapes. By combining the soothing sounds of nature with meditative sounds, "The Grounded Mystic", creates a unique and powerful aura for listeners to practice grounding meditation and breathing exercises.
5- The Night Of Shiva:
As you immerse yourself in the profound vibrations of OM, consider intertwining this sacred sound with intentional breathwork. Let the rhythmic chanting guide the pace of your breath, forming a harmonious union between the spiritual energy of the chant and the physical act of breathing.
6- Pure Ocean Waves:
Imagine yourself on a beautiful beach with the soft sound of ocean waves. The ocean is a place that provides us with many things - peace and relaxation, inspiration and calmness. This 1-hour ocean sounds recording is the perfect ocean waves soundtrack for relaxation, breathwork, meditation, and deep focus.
7- Keep Me With You:
This deep emotional meditation music with hang drum, cello, and piano envelops you in a rich tapestry of sound, creating a contemplative atmosphere that resonates with your emotions. The delicate interplay between the hang drum, cello, and piano invites you to explore the depths of your inner world during meditation.
As you surrender to the evocative melodies, consider integrating intentional breathwork into this emotional journey. Let each inhale draw in the nuanced emotions carried by the music, and with each exhale, release any tensions or lingering thoughts.
8- A Calm Beginning:
Incorporate breathwork into your morning meditation ritual, using the natural sounds as cues for your intentional inhales and exhales. With each breath, imagine drawing in the crisp, invigorating morning air, and as you exhale, release any residual tension. Let the symphony of nature harmonize with your breath, amplifying the rejuvenating essence of your morning meditation.
8- Heart Alignment:
The Heart Center, also known as the Fourth Chakra, acts as a bridge between heaven and earth within you, promoting integral balance and love. Utilizing breathwork in this center facilitates a slow, deliberate rhythm, encouraging your heartbeat to align with the present moment, fostering love and appreciation. As you engage in breathwork, a gentle heartbeat emerges, serving as a reminder to stay connected to your heart, both internally and externally. This breathwork-centered practice provides a pathway to mindful alignment and the harmonious balance of the Heart Center.
9- Sound Bath:
Immerse yourself in a sonic bath designed to calm and soothe your mind, body, and soul through the power of breathwork. The gentle vibrations and tones work synergistically to shift your energy, creating space for new healing possibilities. As you engage in breathwork, release all thoughts, and feel the tensions in your body dissolve, paving the way for profound relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a moment, close your eyes, and let the therapeutic music guide you into a state of deep tranquility. The breathwork-infused experience awaits you.
10- My Relaxing Piano:
Indulge in a breathwork-infused session with serene solo piano melodies harmoniously blended with the gentle patter of soft rain. This piece not only offers a peaceful and emotional musical experience but also serves as a soothing backdrop for breathwork. Perfect for relaxation, stress relief, and promoting a tranquil ambiance conducive to restful sleep, let the union of piano and rain sounds guide your breath, creating a holistic journey towards calmness and rejuvenation.