What are breathing techniques?

Breathing techniques, also called breathwork refers to a whole host of different breath-based practices which can be used to create a specific benefit or state. This includes deep relaxation, focus, high energy, creativity and reduced pain. For many people it’s also a spiritual practice.

The Sanskrit word used in yoga for breathwork is ‘pranayama’, which roughly translates as “life force control”.

I’ve written a guide on a breathing technique to help relieve stress & increase focus which you can take a look at here.

If you want to find out more about the different types of breathing techniques then I suggest starting with the following resources:

• Breathe to Heal with Max Strom (Tedx Talk) – an inspiring watch from a highly experienced breathwork teacher
• Just Breathe by Dan Brule (book) – easy to read overview with step by step instructions to practice many key types of breathwork
• Light on Pranayama by B.K.S. Iyengar (book) – an indepth look into yogic pranayama