Five Finger Breathing Technique

Breathwork is such a great practice to implement in your life to help you slow down and relieve stress. This technique is so simple that you can take it with you anywhere you go. It only requires your hand.

Hold out one hand, palm facing you, and fingers spread.

Using the pointer finger of your other hand, trace the side of the fingers in the stretched out hand.

Breathe in, as you trace up the thumb, hold your breath for a second.

Breathe out as you trace down the thumb. Hold for a second and notice the pause.

Now go up the index finger as you inhale, pause, and then exhale as you go down.  Continue on as you repeat with each finger slowly; as you go up one finger, you inhale, and as you go down that finger, you exhale. 

Keep going this way until you get to the pinky side of the hand, then start back again towards the thumb to make that a total of one round. Depending on how you feel, you may have to do this a few rounds.

Challenge yourself by making the breath match the speed of your opposite finger. Another challenge could be to try not to look at your hand for a while or even closing your eyes if it’s safe to do so you can go internal with this as you feel your body and your mind slowing down. 

May you feel refreshed now and for the rest of your day. Be well!

If you’d like to see a video demonstration of this technique, please scan the QR code below.