Lock breathing

Lock breathing

In this exercise, I hold my breath while contracting particular muscles. The exercise leads to blood flow restriction when the muscles contract and boosts circulation when the muscles relax.

How I exercise ‘locking’ combined with breath-hold:

Directives:

  • I sit comfortably with a straight back, relax my tongue and jaw, and close my eyes.
  • Reset my breathing if needed.
  • Breathe, as in 3-part breathing, exclusively through the nose.

 Throat Lock:

  1. Inhale fully in 3 parts.
  2. Exhale deeply in 3 parts until my diaphragm returns to its neutral dome shape.
  3. Bend my neck forward, tuck my chin, and move it toward my chest so it rests on the center of my collarbone.
  4. Simulate a swallow.
  5. Hold my breath until I gently reach the point of ‘air hunger start.’
  6. Repeat for a few rounds.

 Stomach lock:

  1. Inhale fully in 3-parts.
  2. Exhale deeply in 3 parts, pulling my stomach back toward my spine and then lifting it towards my lower ribs.
  3. Hold my breath until I gently reach the point of ‘air hunger start.’
  4. Repeat for a few rounds.

 Anal (root) lock:

  1. Inhale fully in 3-parts.
  2. Exhale deeply in 3 parts until my diaphragm returns to its neutral dome shape.
  3. Contract my anal muscles.
  4. Hold my breath until I gently reach the point of ‘air hunger start.’
  5. Repeat for a few rounds.

Combining all three locks

After exercising the three locks separately, I combine all three to form a separate exercise. Many different ‘rebirthing’ techniques are available nowadays and have gained popularity. I like to use combined 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 the discomfort caused by air-hunger. I hold a bit beyond air hunger start, and then as I inhale following the locking, I imagine taking my first air draw, just like I did right after birth. I then complete a few breathing cycles with no breath-holds.