Vagus nerve breath

What is the vagus nerve breath? Why does it work?

The vagus nerve deep breathing technique can help you relax.

Building a healthy spiritual practice starts with a good breathing technique. The vagus nerve is at the core of breathing and can help reduce stress and pain and also help you achieve deeper states of meditation.

Focus on your breath by doing the following:

• Breathe more slowly - inhale to the count of four or five.

• Breathe into the belly.

• Think about expanding your abdomen and widening your rib cage as you inhale.

• Exhale longer than you inhale - to the count of six or seven.

• It’s the exhale that triggers the relaxation response.

Three deep vagus nerve breaths before your meditation will help you reduce stress and reach a more peaceful state of mind before meditation.