4-7-8 Breathing

the tranquiliser

Breath·Physical Body + Mental Body + Energetic Body

Written by Desmond Olubunmi · Founder of Sunya

Essence

Deep sedation, for sleep or intense anxiety.

Mechanism

The long hold and the still longer exhale tip the nervous system strongly toward rest, slowing the heart and quieting the mind. It is potent enough to carry many people down into sleep.

Protocol

  1. 01

    Rest the tip of your tongue against the ridge just behind your upper front teeth.

  2. 02

    Inhale through the nose for 4 counts.

  3. 03

    Hold the breath for 7 counts.

  4. 04

    Exhale through the mouth for 8 counts, with a soft audible sound.

  5. 05

    Repeat for 4–8 cycles.

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