What is rVNS breathing?

First of all, it is important to clarify what we mean by the word “breathing”. From a purely scientific perspective, the word “breathing” is not particularly precise. By “breathing” we mean the ventilation of the human lungs through the airways, lungs, breathing pump and other components for functioning lung ventilation. We still use the word “breathing” because it is easy for most to understand.

What is rVNS breathing?

Simply put, a breath consists of 2 parts. The inhalation and exhalation. The rVNS breathing technique also consists of these 2 parts, with a few small adjustments.

Inhalation:

1. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly button.
2. Breathe in through your nose and direct the airflow “into your stomach.”
3. The hand on your belly button should move, not the hand on your chest.
4. Fill “your belly” full of air and pause when you are full.

rVNS exhalation:

1. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly button.
2. Breathe out very slowly through your mouth for ~10-15 seconds or longer. This works best with a hōki, which automatically brings your exhalation to rVNS level through the right counter pressure.
3. The hand on your belly button should move again and not the hand on your chest.
4. Pause for a second before beginning to inhale again.

Repeat this cycle at least 5 times.

With this breathing technique, most people can reduce their breaths per minute to ~4-6. For an adult, the average number of breaths per minute is 12-18.