Deepened breathing through the mouth with emphasis on the full exhale. Reduction of control and the allowance of suppressed emotions through restoring a free breath pattern.
Step-by-step guide
- Client lies on the back or stands in the basic stance
- Breath through the mouth — deep in-breath into the belly
- Emphasis on the out-breath: exhale longer than the in-breath, with the sound "aaah"
- Gradually deepen: each out-breath a little longer
- Observe the body: what is happening? Vibration? Emotions?
- Continue 5-10 minutes. Then pause and observe
When to use
- To deepen contact with emotions, in shallow breathing, before expressive work
- When the client is in a "head" mode
Key phrases
Breathe through the mouth, a little deeper than usual. Long exhale, with sound if it comes — "aaah". Nothing to perform. Just let the breath be loud enough to be heard.
Follow-up questions
What wants to come with the sound?
Where is the breath going in your body?
Is there vibration, tingling, heat?
What shifted after the deeper breath?
Alternative phrasings
If you start to get dizzy, slow the pace.
If tears come, keep breathing — they are part of the process.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Hyperventilation — tingling, dizziness. Slow down.
- ⚠️ The client may start to cry — that is not a problem; do not stop the process unless safety is at risk.
Source: Lowen A. 1975 — Bioenergetics; Lowen A. 1990 — The Spirituality of the Body
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.