Somatic Exercise: Dr. Weil's 4-7-8 Relaxing Breath

Purpose: To use a specific breath pattern to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. This exercise is based on the 4-7-8 breathing technique developed by Dr. Andrew Weil.

Instructions:

1. Find a Comfortable Posture:

   • Sit or lie down in a position that feels comfortable and supportive.

   • Allow your body to gently relax, releasing any obvious tension in your shoulders, jaw, and limbs.

   • Feel the support of the chair or floor beneath you.

2. Grounding Awareness:

   • Bring your awareness to the physical sensations of your body in contact with the surface you're on.

   • Notice the feeling of your feet on the floor, your hips in the chair, or your back against the surface.

   • This grounding helps to bring you into the present moment.

3. Initial Breath Observation:

   • Take a moment to simply observe your natural breath without trying to change it.

   • Notice the rhythm, depth, and temperature of your breath.

   • Become aware of where you feel the breath most strongly in your body.

4. The 4-7-8 Breathing Pattern:

   • Exhale Completely: Exhale completely through your mouth, making a gentle “whoosh” sound. Imagine you are blowing out a candle.

   • Inhale (4 Seconds): Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four.

   • Hold (7 Seconds): Hold your breath for a count of seven.

   • Exhale (8 Seconds): Exhale completely through your mouth, making a gentle “whoosh” sound, for a count of eight.

5. Somatic Sensing During the Breath:

   • Pay attention to the physical sensations: Notice the coolness of the air entering your nostrils during the inhale. Feel the expansion of your chest and abdomen.

   • During the hold: Feel the stillness within.

   • On the exhale: Notice the release of tension as you “whoosh” out the air. Feel the gentle contraction of your abdomen.

6. Repeat and Observe:

   • Repeat this cycle four times.

   • After each cycle, notice any changes in your body or mind. Do you feel calmer? More relaxed?

   • If you feel any discomfort, such as dizziness, reduce the counts or return to your natural breath.

7. Integration and Grounding:

   • When you're ready, gradually return to your natural breath.

   • Take a few moments to notice how your body and mind feel.

   • Gently move your fingers and toes, and slowly open your eyes.

   • Take a moment to acknowledge the experience and carry the sense of calm with you.

Client Guidance:

• Emphasize the importance of feeling the breath in the body, not just counting.

• Encourage experimentation with the counts if needed.

• Remind clients that this is a tool for self-regulation and not a replacement for professional help.

By incorporating somatic awareness into the 4-7-8 breathing technique, this exercise can enhance its effectiveness as a calming intervention.