A Chinese breathing exercise

• Commence inhaling slowly, smoothly and deeply to a mental count of 4 seconds. Fill your lower lungs first (by pushing out your abdomen), then your middle and upper lungs.
• Hold your breath for a mental count of 7 seconds.
• Slowly and smoothly exhale for a mental count of 8 seconds.
• As you exhale, try to let go of all your anxiety, tension & stress.
• That’s one round. Pause briefly without inhaling then start another round. This natural pause is very therapeutic and relaxing.
• Do 10-12 rounds to begin. Build up to 25-30 rounds several times a day AND whenever you feel anxious or nervous, etc.

• Summary: Inhale for 4 seconds – Hold for 7 seconds – Exhale for 8 seconds – Pause briefly – Repeat.
• Benefits
• Calms your mind
• Tones your nervous system
• Regulates your breathing
• Balances your emotions
• Tips
• Can be done anywhere – on a bus, in a line, at work, before a test
• If you lose your breath, stop, breathe freely then try again
• With practice your pauses between rounds will naturally get longer
• Soothing music or ear plugs can help reduce external distractions