A reference library on breathing

21 guides to breathing, breathwork and the science behind them.

Plain explanations of how breathing works, what the research actually shows, and step-by-step techniques you can practise on your own. No products, no plans, nothing to buy.

Browse the library About this project

A free public-education project of Central Texas Model United Nations, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. This site is ad-free, sells nothing and accepts no sponsorship.

Breathwork foundations

Start here: what breathwork is, how it works, what the research supports, and how to practise it safely.

  1. Breathwork for Beginners: 5 Ways to Learn & Practice It If you’re new to breathwork and looking to get started, this beginner's guide to breathwork will tell you everything you need to know. It covers the history of breathwork, how it works, its benefits, ways to learn it, and breathwork techniques for beginners. Read until the end for tips on getting started at home.
  2. Science of Breathwork: How It Works + Top 14 Benefits Practicing breathwork daily has many scientifically proven benefits for your well-being. To better understand the benefits of breathwork, this article will explain the science of breathwork by covering what breathwork is, how it works, and the top scientific benefits. Read on for tips on how to get started.
  3. 15 Breathwork Benefits: The Science Behind Breathing Practices Looking to better understand the benefits of starting a daily breathwork practice? This article will introduce you to the top breathwork benefits by exploring the science behind the power of breathwork. Read about the importance of breathwork and tips on incorporating breathwork into your routine.
  4. 17 Breathwork Techniques to Improve Your Physical & Mental Health The term breathwork describes any breathing exercise that helps with physical, mental, or spiritual health. There are many breathwork techniques you can incorporate into your day that are easy to learn and provide instant benefits. There are also advanced styles of breathwork available to explore.
  5. 13 Breathwork Exercises to Practice Daily for Improved Wellness If you want to add breathing exercises to your daily routine, there are plenty you can start with. This article will cover the benefits of breathwork exercises and what ones you can practice daily to gain a variety of benefits. Read until the end for tips on incorporating them into your routine.
  6. Is Breathwork Safe? 10 Common Side Effects You May Experience If you're interested in trying breathwork, you might also be asking, "Is breathwork safe?" This article will answer that question by listing potential breathwork side effects that some might experience, and sharing a variety of safety considerations for practicing breathwork.

Everyday breathing mechanics

How breathing actually works, and how to improve it while sleeping, running, exercising or resting.

  1. How to Breathe Better: 10 Ways to Help Improve Your Breathing If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, this guide can help you. Learn how to breathe better with the best ways to breathe better, natural remedies, and breathwork techniques. You’ll have better breathing at night, while running, when sick, and more.
  2. How to Breathe Properly: Tips for Running, Exercise, Sleep & More If you're wondering how to breathe properly, we can help. This guide covers the importance of proper breathing and has techniques for correcting your breathing.
  3. Diaphragmatic Breathing: What It Is, Benefits, Exercises & More If you’re looking to improve your breathing, this ultimate guide to diaphragmatic breathing will help you learn to do so. It provides an overview of deep breathing, lists some benefits of it that you should know about, and outlines exercises and techniques for deep breathing that you can try today.
  4. Deep Breathing & the Parasympathetic Nervous System: The Connection Learn the link between deep breathing and the parasympathetic nervous system. This guide covers parasympathetic breathing and 10 breathing exercises to try.
  5. Box Breathing: Techniques, Benefits, Research, and More What is box breathing? If you've been wondering, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about box breathing. We’ll cover how it works, the benefits of practicing it, what the science says about it, and the exercises you can practice daily. We’ll also suggest box breathing apps you can try.
  6. 4-7-8 Breathing: How It Works + Benefits, Apps, Resources & More If you’re interested in learning about 4-7-8 breathing, this ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know. We’ll explain what it is, what health benefits it can offer with regular practice, and how to do it. We’ll also suggest some additional resources you can consult, including top apps for practicing.

Anxiety, stress and sleep

Breathing practices for the moments people most often reach for them.

  1. Breathwork for Anxiety: 8 Breathing Exercises to Calm Your Mind How healing anxiety through breathwork isn’t just soothing - it’s science. A comprehensive overview of the science and techniques for healing your anxiety through breathwork.
  2. Harnessing the Power of Breathwork for Stress Management Taking steps to manage stress in your daily life is an incredibly beneficial way to improve your wellbeing and productivity. Using breathwork for stress relief is easy, effective and free- truly one of the best investments you can make in your health.
  3. Breathwork for Sleep: 4 Science-Backed Breathing Exercises for Sleep If you're someone who struggles to fall asleep, breathwork can help. This article will introduce you to breathwork for sleep by covering the science behind it and teach you 4 techniques for deep relaxation and rest. Read on to explore additional resources to help you get started on your breathwork journey.

Specialised methods

Named traditions and systems, plus meditation and lung-capacity work.

  1. Pranayama: A Guide to Yogic Breathing & Its Benefits If you’re looking to learn about Pranayama, this ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know about Pranayama breathwork. We’ll describe the practice, the science behind it, and some of the most popular exercises. Read until the end for additional resources to help you begin your Pranayama breathing journey.
  2. Buteyko Breathing: A Guide to Better Breathing, Sleep, & More If you want to learn more about the Buteyko Method, this ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know. You’ll learn what this modern breathwork technique is, how it differs from other techniques, how to do it, and what its top benefits are. Read until the end for apps and other resources for learning more.
  3. Holotropic Breathwork: An Ultimate Guide to A Healing Technique If you’re interested in learning about Holotropic Breathwork, this ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know. We’ll cover what it is, the science behind it, its side effects, and its amazing benefits. Read on to learn how you can practice it and how to get certified to teach it.
  4. Wim Hof Breathing: Learn the Method, Science, Benefits & More If you want to learn the Wim Hof Method, this guide will cover the science behind it, its benefits, how to practice it, and apps you can use to practice it.
  5. Breathwork Meditation: Proven Benefits + Top 8 Techniques If you want to learn more about breathwork meditation and how it can benefit your overall wellness, this article will teach you everything you need to know. You’ll learn what breathwork meditation is, its scientifically-proven benefits, top techniques to try, and even more resources for furthering your practice.
  6. 11 Breathing Exercises to Strengthen Lungs & Increase Capacity If you want to strengthen your lungs, there are plenty of natural ways to do so. This article will cover methods for naturally increasing lung capacity, and 11 breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs. Read until the end for 6 breathing devices that can also help strengthen lungs and increase capacity.