What is equal breathing?
Equal breathing is a technique that uses the same count for the inhale and exhale. This guide uses a 5-5 rhythm, but a shorter equal count is fine if five seconds feels strained.
Exercises
Equal Breathing
A beginner-friendly breathing technique with equal-length inhales and exhales and no breath holds.
How to practice
Equal breathing, sometimes called sama vritti, keeps the inhale and exhale the same length. This timer uses a simple 5-second inhale and 5-second exhale, with no breath retention.
- Sit comfortably and relax your shoulders and jaw.
- Inhale gently through your nose for five seconds, or use a shorter comfortable count.
- Exhale gently for the same length of time.
- Repeat without pausing or forcing a deeper breath.
Best for
First breathing practiceOne-minute breaksA no-hold breathing rhythm
Caution
Keep the breath easy and never force a five-second count. Shorten the count or stop if you feel dizzy, breathless, or uncomfortable.
Sources
Equal Breathing questions
Is equal breathing good for beginners?
It is one of the simpler patterns to learn because it has only two phases and no required breath holds. Start with one minute and keep every breath comfortable.
How long should I practice equal breathing?
Beginners can start with one minute. If the rhythm remains easy, choose three or five minutes. Stop if you feel dizzy, breathless, or uncomfortable.
Inhale
Equal Breathing
Inhale5s