Bellows Breathing

Stimulating & invigorating breathing exercise

The name comes from a blacksmith’s bellows.

Forcefully breathing in and out using the upper part of the lungs, with equal force and duration for the inhaling and exhaling. Rapidly inhaling through the nose (or mouth) and rapidly exhaling through the nose (or mouth).

When inhaling, arms are stretched up and when exhaling arms are forcefully pulled down simulating a grabbing with the hands.

Another option when ending the exercise is to hold the breath for a longer while and then emptying the lungs while bending forward. Beware! this practice may cause dizziness.

Comparing: Breath of Fire / Bellows Breathing / Belly Pumping

All three types of breathing are rapid and intensive.

“Breath of fire” is an inhaling and exhaling exercise using the diaphragm to forcefully push out the air from the lower part of the lungs (abdomen). It is a stomach breathing, where the diaphragm is use to expel air from the abdomen, exhaling. Inhaling occurs passively (inertia), by releasing the diaphragm muscle tension.

“Bellows breathing” is an inhaling and exhaling exercise focusing on the upper part of the lungs, avoiding as much as possible movement of the abdomen. Air is inhaled forcefully and exhaled forcefully

“Belly pumping”  is a retention exercise. After maximum air is expelled from the lungs, the diaphragm muscles are used to push the stomach forward and backward rapidly, while holding the breath.

Leave a Reply

Close Menu