Lock breathing
In this exercise, I hold my breath while contracting particular muscles. The exercise causes blood flow restriction in the area of contraction, and the release of the muscles boosts circulation.
The way I exercise ‘locking’ combined with breath-hold
Throat Lock
- Breathing: exclusive through the nose.
- Position: I sit comfortably with a straight back, relax my tongue and jaw, and close my eyes.
- Reset my breathing.
- Inhale fully in 3 parts.
- Exhale deeply in 3 parts so that my diaphragm is relaxed at minimum amplitude.
- Bend my neck forward, tuck my chin, and move it toward my chest so it rests on the center of my collarbone.
- Simulate a swallow.
- Hold my breath until I reach the point of ‘air hunger start.’
- Repeat for a few rounds.
Stomach lock
- Inhale fully in 3-parts.
- Exhale, deeply pulling my stomach back toward my spine and then lifting it towards my lower ribs.
- Hold my breath until I get to the point of ‘air hunger start.’
- Repeat for a few rounds.
Anal (rout) lock
- Inhale fully in 3-parts.
- Exhale deeply so that my diaphragm is relaxed at minimum amplitude.
- Contract my anal muscles.
- Hold my breath until I get to the point of ‘air hunger start.’
- Repeat for a few rounds.
Combining all three locks
After exercising the three locks separately, I combine all three simultaneously as a separate exercise.
Remarks
The exercise, which combines all three locks, requires muscle power. As a result, Carbon-diOxide increases in my bloodstream faster than in a normal breath hold.
Many different ‘rebirthing’ techniques are available nowadays and have gained popularity. I like to use locking for a ‘rebirthing’ experience. As I complete the exhale and make all three locks, I visualize I’m in my mother’s womb. At first, it feels very comfortable and secure, but after some time, I experience air hunger discomfort. As an exception, I sometimes hold my breath slightly beyond the point of ‘air hunger start.’
As I inhale, I imagine taking my first breath of air, just like I did right after birth. I then complete a few breathing cycles with no breath holds. Finally, I visualize shimmering sunshine on water, my favorite nature scenery.