Index of Breathing Techniques and Practices Covered on This Site

How this index works

Use this page to find a technique, not to choose one. We do not rank techniques. A review of 48 trials of diaphragmatic breathing found its protocols highly heterogeneous, which is one reason head-to-head ranking is not possible. [1] Each technique page gives its evidence label, the populations studied and its cautions.

Safety first. Techniques are labeled so you can see the risk level at a glance:

• Gentle: the page sits in our gentle-techniques collection of comfortable, unforced breathing or relaxation. It does not mean risk-free, and every page lists its own cautions.
• Cautions: patterns that include pauses or retention, or that carry specific cautions on their page. Read the page first.
• Described only: fast, forced or held-breath practices. We explain what they are and what is known about harms. We give no instructions for them.

Whatever the label, stop and return to normal breathing if you feel dizzy, tingly, faint, anxious or short of breath, and never practise while driving, bathing, swimming, near water or at heights. The NHS lists driving, climbing a ladder and using heavy machinery as things not to do while dizzy. [2] If you have asthma, COPD, a heart condition, epilepsy, a psychiatric condition or are pregnant, check with your clinician first. See the safety quick reference.

Gentle breathing and relaxation practices

The NCCIH groups breathing exercises with progressive relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery and biofeedback-assisted relaxation as relaxation techniques. [3] It describes breathing exercises as focusing on slow, deep breaths, also called diaphragmatic breathing. [3]

Patterns with pauses and clinical retraining methods

A Cochrane review of breathing exercises for asthma lists the Papworth method, the Buteyko technique, yogic breathing and deep diaphragmatic breathing as ways such exercises can be performed. [4]

Pranayama and yoga breathing

Pranayama is yoga's own term for breathing techniques, rooted in Indian philosophy. [5] The NCCIH advises newcomers to avoid extreme practices including forceful breathing. [5]

Named methods and intensive breathwork

These pages are critical and educational. They describe documented harms and who must avoid the practices. They do not teach them.

A public health case review described two healthy young men who became unconscious underwater after intentional hyperventilation. [6] That is why these practices are never described as safe near water.

Devices, trends and other approaches

Biofeedback is a technique that measures bodily functions and gives you information about them to help train you to control them. [7] Pages on devices cover their limits.

• Breathing apps, breathing trainer devices, incentive spirometers, wearables and biofeedback devices.
• Mouth taping and breathing trends, and mouth tape, nasal strips and airway devices.
• Inspiratory muscle training and breathing for singing and voice.
• Practices owned by other libraries: progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery, mindful breathing and yoga nidra.

Finding a teacher

Credentials for complementary health practitioners vary tremendously from state to state and from discipline to discipline. [8] See how to choose a breathwork class or facilitator. We do not list or recommend teachers.