(Do this immediately following a cup of very hot water)
Close your eyes and picture yourself next to a lovely waterfall flowing from the green-forested mountains around you. Picture the mist that is rising from the pool below.
The sun begins to rise from behind you. Its warmth spreads across your back. It feels so warm and good.
As the sun rises higher, its rays catch the mist, turning it into sparkling, moving, and glittering energy. It is absolutely beautiful.
Through your nose, inhale as much of this mist and revitalizing energy as slowly as you can, while mentally counting to 8.
Hold it inside for a few seconds. (Consider this to be universal love and hold on to this gift, intended just for you) This allows a more efficient oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.
Exhale through pursed lips, as though you were blowing out birthday candles. Visualize yourself slowly blowing out black smoke, while mentally counting to 8. In the smoke put things you don’t want in your body, like frustration, anger, pain, sickness and stress.
Do 3 complete cycles of 3 breaths in and out.
Drink a cup of hot water and do this breathing exercise at least 3 times daily.
Western Interpretation: The hot water causes the blood vessels to dilate, and helps the muscles around your ribcage to relax, allowing you to breathe more deeply. Deep inhalation sends more oxygen to all parts of the body, improving circulation. Deep exhalation removes more carbon dioxide. A well-ventilated body simply works better.
©2005 Susan Lee-Smith RN, TCMN (
