Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Quiet Breathing Mean?
Quiet breathing is the relaxed, normal breathing state that requires no control of any type. It pairs with fast breathing and deep breathing to form one of the types of pranayama breathing exercises employed in yoga.
Used as part of yoga meditation or asana practice, quiet breathing slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, calms the mind and body, and creates a sense of stability.
Yogapedia Explains Quiet Breathing
When the body moves, respiration is affected because of the body’s need for oxygenated blood. The breath becomes faster and sometimes deeper, but when there’s no body movement, breathing is smooth and in its relaxed state. This is what is known as quiet breathing. Typically, after the yogi settles into and holds the final position of any pose, quiet breathing takes over. To ensure quiet breathing, the yogi should relax the body in the stabilized position of the pose. At this point, the yogi observes the breath, noticing the gentle inhale and exhale without influencing it.
Quiet breathing can be practiced in a sitting, standing or reclining asana, although easy sitting postures are recommended. The preferred poses are padmasana (lotus pose), vajrasana (kneeling pose) and swastikasana (auspicious pose). The pose should be stabilized and the muscles relaxed so the yogi can observe the breath. After the body settles into the pose, the breath will relax into its quiet state with no control by the yogi. There will be no movement visible in the chest; only the muscles of the abdomen and the lungs ensure the inhale and exhale.
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