A Calming Gift in Your Yoga Therapist’s Toolbox
If you're one of our students, you're likely already familiar with this magical gem in the yoga therapist’s toolkit. I can't tell you how many of you have shared its powerful impact with me over the years!
Originally, the Three Magic Breaths weren’t three at all — they were five.
I first encountered these breaths during my Yoga Therapy training in London over two decades ago.
They were introduced to me by Julie Friedeberger — a remarkable teacher, breast cancer thriver, and true force of nature who continues teaching well into her 70s.
Julie taught a class on Yoga Therapy for Women with Breast Cancer, where she introduced us to five different breath techniques - you can still find them in her books-. I loved them immediately for their softness and remarkable calming effect, and began using them with clients straight away.
But with time and experience, I noticed that five different breaths in a row could sometimes feel overwhelming — even too much of a good thing can be... too much.
As always, my greatest teachers have been my clients and students, and it became clear that simplifying the sequence to three breaths delivered a more effective and sustainable calming response.
Putting the Breaths to the Test
One memorable example is Chris - a 50-year-old client with slightly elevated blood pressure. He worked in banking, traveled constantly, and lived a high-stress lifestyle that wasn’t supporting his health.
Before each of our sessions at his family home, he’d measure his blood pressure. It often read 130/85 or higher. Chris was new to yoga, so we started simply -gentle joint movements, Yoga Nidra, and yes, the Three Magic Breaths.
After each session, we were both surprised to see that his blood pressure would drop to 120/70 or even lower. After a few consistent sessions, we realized it was the combination of the Three Magic Breaths and Yoga Nidra making the biggest impact.
We introduced this sequence into his daily routine -once during his lunch break and once in the evening. The results? He managed to keep his blood pressure under control for two years.
Watch the video and practice the Three Magic Breaths, and read - below ⬇️ WHY THEY WORK.
The Science Behind the “Magic”
While the results might feel magical, there’s no real mystery -unless, of course, you consider biology magical (which I often do!)
Breath 1: High-Tone Sigh
A well-known tool for diaphragmatic release. When you make a high-toned sigh, the diaphragm contracts on the inhale and gently relaxes on the exhale. The controlled release of air supports relaxation and vocal tone -it’s a favorite among singers preparing to perform.
Breath 2: Gently Pursed Lips
Breathing out through gently pursed lips slows and extends the exhalation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s often used as an emergency technique in asthma and COPD care to calm the breath.
Breath 3: Hissing Exhale
A hissing breath — exhaling with gentle effort — causes the diaphragm to relax upward while the abdominal muscles contract. It strengthens core breathing muscles and encourages a natural relaxation response from the body.
These Three Magic Breaths have stood the test of time — and science. I’m so excited to continue sharing them with you in our upcoming trainings!
