Unity of Breath & Our Brainwaves

How brainwaves change through the power of deep breathing

Scientists and meditation practitioners know that focused deep breathing quickly changes the way our brains work in the moment. Throughout most of our waking hours, our brains emit Beta brainwaves, which keep our minds attentive, and cautious. It’s a good state for accomplishing many of our daily responsibilities with necessary care, however, as we all experience at certain points, this state can also wear us down.

The slow rhythmic breathing of Qigong and other Taoist breathing practices such as SunDo or Dahn Yoga trigger a very different mental state — taking the brain from stressful beta waves to soothing and rejuvenative theta waves, which are optimal for deep relaxation, healing, clear-headedness, and strong immune function.

Theta brainwaves (4-7 cps) occur in sleep and are dominant in our highest state of meditation. Normally, we only experience theta waves drifting off to sleep, during some dreaming, and as we return from the depths of Delta sleep. The constant and rhythmic deep breathing method of SunDo can induce blissful meditation in practitioners while at the same time providing ultimate health and wellness benefits. 

Next time someone suggests you take some deep breaths or try a little yoga, hold off on the snark and give it a shot. There’s a good chance you’ll be surprised, and now we have the science to back it up.

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​To learn more about Taoist deep breathing practice and how breath meditation can lead to greater relaxation and optimal wellness, visit www.oneworld-wellness.com. SunDo is a style of Taoist practice characterized by subtle breathing techniques performed while holding various postures. Practice is divided into sequences that activate, build and circulate vital life energy or Qi.