Bellows Breath (Breath of Fire)
​by Karla Beatty

Bellows Breath is an intense breathing exercise that has many positive effects. Are you feeling sluggish,
​hazy, or in a fog? Try this energetic breathing practice.

Bellows Breath in 10 Simple Steps

​Bellows breathing calms your mind, energizes your body, and clarifies thinking. This invigorating exercise is excellent first thing in the morning, before a meditation session, or any time you need an energy boost.
​How to Do Bellows Breath
10. Sit up tall with your best posture with your back and neck straight and aligned.
9. Consciously relax your shoulders, neck, and forehead.
8. Take a few deep but relaxed breaths—expand your belly fully as you breathe.
7. Keep your mouth closed and breathe through your nose.
6. To begin Bellows Breath, exhale forcefully through your nose.
5. Then inhale forcefully through your nose.
4. Breaths in and out should be equal in duration, but done as quickly as possible. The stomach muscles expand and contract like a blacksmith’s bellows.
3. Try to do 1-3 breaths per second.
2. Count to ten breaths and pause with a long full inhale or breathe normally for 2-3 breaths.
1. Practice in rounds of ten until you are comfortable doing it for a minute or so.
​When to Do Bellows Breath
This energizing breathing practice is great any time that you want a boost or to get your blood pumping.
  • First thing in the morning to jump start your day.
  • During a mid-day slump at work.
  • Before a workout or yoga session.
It’s best not to do this breathing exercise right before bed as it tends to invigorate your mind and make it harder to fall asleep. Bellows breath may make you dizzy until you become used to the technique. It is not recommended to practice it if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, poor lung capacity, epilepsy, seizures, or an abdominal hernia.
​Listen to your body as you practice. You should feel the effort at the back of the neck, the diaphragm, the chest and the abdomen. If you are feeling dizzy, back off a bit. When done properly, you will feel invigorated, with the heightened awareness you might feel after a good workout.

You might also be interested in these Simple10s articles:

Meditation Breathing
Breathing for Relaxation

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