Also known as the “relaxing breath,” 4-7-8 has ancient roots in pranayama, which is the yogic practice of breath regulation, but was popularized by integrative medicine specialist Dr. Andrew Weil in 2015. “But exercises like the 4-7-8 technique give you the opportunity to practice being at peace. How 4-7-8 worksThe 4-7-8 method doesn’t require any equipment or specific setting, but when you’re initially learning the exercise, you should sit with your back straight, according to Weil. While proponents may swear by the method, more research is needed to establish clearer links between 4-7-8 and sleep and other health benefits, he added. “There is some evidence that 4-7-8 breathing helps reduce anxious, depressive and insomniac symptoms when comparing pre- and post-intervention, however, there are no large randomized control trials specifically on 4-7-8 breathing to my knowledge,” Tal said.

Source: Egypt Independent September 17, 2022 19:52 UTC