Is Holding Your Breath Good For You?

Holding your breath might not seem like a good idea. If you do it too long, bad things could happen. However, practicing holding your breath might be good for overall health and wellness. Some research suggests it will increase red blood cells, optimize hormone profiles, boost the immune system, and improve mood and memory by decreasing stress.
In this video, I discuss three breathing techniques. Buteyko, which has become popular in the book The Oxygen Advantage. Also Wim Hof method as well as David Blaine breathing.

[@Dan-vm2fj]

The presenter is literarly straight forward and to the point, also shout out to him for offering the resources at the end! Perfect

[@tracyriccio3472]

This video was absolutely perfect, thank you for reinforcing my understanding of these things and I can't wait to practice!!

[@sunsmilesjoy8175]

Yogic science discovered this thousands of years ago!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@anoopraghunath2471]

Stop attributing every scientific stuff to ancient yogic nonsense

[@sid8680]

So that you can make this totally useless point on this video thousands of years later.

[@shrinivas105]

​@@anoopraghunath2471 yoga and pranayama scientifically proven.

[@himesh2006]

​@@anoopraghunath2471 I mean, he isn't wrong this time. The Yogis in ancient India did do it.

[@himesh2006]

​@@sid8680 Lmao, it's still very much related to the video.

[@ronfox5519]

Very well done. Got right to the point with the necessary information. Thats rare in breathwork vids

[@nikitaw1982]

At night and in morning and had a great day. Hope continues.

[@nametru3246]

Great info, fabulous day to you too

[@richxmillion3337]

amazing video.. thank you

[@miguelmontanez176]

I hold my breath during my burpees and squat sets and had no idea about the benefits, thanks for this information. Your friend - The Rose🌹-

[@RGTomoenage11]

I like doing it because it feels like a good upper back stretch

[@devilbye6918]

It really does! I just did it and I felt it in my back like I stretched.

[@WinstonSaga]

Great Stuff

[@msi6250]

You are good, I am pretty sure you have a busy practice, I wish you were closer to where I live. Thanks and good luck.

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

Thank you very much!

[@nikitaw1982]

For me makes workouts a lot easier. Remember did a method twice daily for 20 minutes for about 2 weeks. Got back in gym and recoveey after back squats sets were heaps quicker.

[@luizantoniodossantos4126]

The same here

[@nikitaw1982]

Full utilisation of o2 and tolerance of co2 whilst strengthening breathing muscles due to contractions.

[@vyisijean7065]

I'm in burundi and I'm practicing what Jeff says

[@Josephduganmusic]

No mention of Yoga? Patanjali's Yoga Sutras talk about holding your breath and were written about 2000 years ago. Hatha yoga uses both internal and external holding, deep breathing and two methods of rapid breathing as mentioned. But the good news is that there are traditions of breath holding, this video is great for people who may not find themselves interested in yoga due to the rapid westernization and diluted conception of it that is most well known as some sort of fancy aerobics. haha thanks for spreading the word on breath control!

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

I appreciate you comment. I am very interested in yoga and should have given more mention. As you recognized, there has been such a shift away from the initial concepts of yoga in the "westernization of yoga." Patanjali's sutras are a fascinating read. However, I know my limits of how long I can hold my audiences attention, and chose to get right to the information as quickly as possible.

[@kirtiagrawal9453]

Yes, the origin in yoga should have been mentioned. A min on that would not hurt. 😌

[@lmc4964]

having just had covid, Im motivated to max this

[@Vhevgox584]

Does the second method, holding your breath as long as you possible can provide more benefits than the first? Is the first one just for a personal record?

[@GraduadoFigo]

Great video. May I add that it is safer not to do breathwork videos on techniques, one is not qualified to teach or has extensive experience in (even with the disclaimers' displays "this is not the whole method" etc)?

[@kvijaya2948]

Can you create a video on how to breath without involving shoulder muscles

[@alessandro_inno]

So, since i started learning abput this i got into tye debate of holding ypur breath has long term effdcts on brain cells or not? I read a study thst said that extreme divers get short term memory loss quasi permanently.

[@Rachel-gv4rg]

Hello and thank you for this interesting video. I have a question: many articles i read about trauma, mention that while having a traumatic experience one is stopping his breath and this is damaging and leaving the trauma inside the body. also in James Nestor new book he mentions as a negative fact that "There’s even a phenomenon called “email apnea,” where multitasking office workers breathe irregularly and shallowly - or even hold their breath - for half a minute or more while glued to their devices". So is this phenomenon bad? and if so what is the difference from the benefits of practicing breath holding that you suggest here? thanks : ))

[@tomwandersee73]

It’s not that holding your breath is bad but it shouldn’t happen involuntarily like when you open your email

[@buddygordy3253]

If you're going for the first method, how often do you do this? How many days a week and how many times per day on the days that you hold your breath?

[@Mouchou_]

The way he talked about it i would say once or twice everyday for up to five minutes, and make it a habit.

[@lmc4964]

is there anything to say about holding an exhale? edit -- you got into it

[@lupu5675]

I have a question Jeff. Do you know whether this "holding breath" exercise can increase red blood cell? thanks

[@casualcookin3893]

Pretty sure it is what it does

[@willieboy8798]

@@casualcookin3893 spleen does all that to include blood volume and rapidity of blood cell production...nuts seeds berries for spleen performance. fruits vegatables!

[@markhansolo8636]

I have a question. I'm practicing holding my breath as I'm wanting to scuba dive with my friend who does it and has advised that I should do what he did which was practice holding my breath for periods of time and go longer each time. He says this is in case the oxygen tanks fail or we do it without the oxygen tanks. I did this yesterday and was aiming for my 15 second goal. I could feel towards the end of was getting tense and was struggling but I kept going and managed to get to 15 seconds. Since then I've found it harder to actually breath and have a chest pain. Can holding your breath too long cause lung damage? And will this be permanent?

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

Hi Mark. There is so much in there to answer. First, be very careful trying to practice holding your breath for scuba. When underwater and breathing with scuba, you DO NOT want to hold your breath going to the surface. This is very dangerous and can absolutely cause lung damage. If you are returning to the surface after taking a breath in, you need to slowly breathe out as you return to the surface. Next, and very importantly. If you are experiencing prolonged chest pain after only holding your breath for 15 seconds, you need to reach out to a medical professional. Consider a primary care physician or cardiologist. To answer your question though. No. Holding your breath, especially for only 15 seconds will not cause lung damage. This could be more cardiovascular and it's very concerning if you can't hold your breath for 15 seconds. You should also not be doing scuba if you cannot hold your breath that long.

[@markhansolo8636]

@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis Ok, thanks for getting back to me. I went to see my Doctor yesterday and they listened to my chest front and back with a stethoscope and put a little device on my middle finger (with measures oxygen) and said that everything sounded and looked fine. They think that the pain and difficulty breathing is due feeling anxious. I think the mistake I made was probably not taking a big enough breath in.

[@SohaNoha]

@@markhansolo8636 try doing it when you are calm. I find that when hold my breath if I am calm then I can hold it longer. Try eaten to camping music while practicing. If you feel panic you have to stop.and comeback when you are very calm. I hold my breath for 1 min and 13 sec because I was very calm. Good luck with scuba diving and everything

[@Rianstarwalker]

In my research I have found the most effective means for breath exercises would be the 4,7, 8 technique As it means for helping with Anxiety and relaxing the sympathetic nervous system. So for the healthiest amount of time for holding your breath should be no more than 30 seconds. beyond that starts to hurt your body after 2 or 3 minutes is when it will start to become harmful.

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

Thanks for watching and the reply. Could you please share these research articles?

[@pauldavid167]

@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis They don’t exist, he read it in a Christmas cracker 😂Stig looks amazing at a 22 minute hold.

[@karambirrandhawa6834]

​@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouisI take long breath and hold about 20 seconds plenty of time in a day, please tell me is it good for me or not

[@sandyzup7113]

Is there really less O2 in higher altitudes? 🤔 I thought it’s just the pressure which is different?!

[@OzzieWorld]

Hi Doc Jeff, wondering if this does the same physically as zone 2 heart rate training in which we are taxing the mitochondria. If so, could you possibly explain at each stage of the breathing/not breathing on how we are possibly doing so; thus to make them grow more and more efficient.

[@nikitaw1982]

Did 8 4 minute rounds 3 minute breTh hold one minur e break. Heart beat didnt get above 100 im not super fit.

[@karambirrandhawa6834]

@ Jeffrey, I take long breath and hold about 20 seconds plenty of time in a day, please tell me is it good for me or not

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

I can't specify on you without more information. However, if you find value in doing that I think it could be good. 20 seconds is not too long, so it's unlikely you're doing any harm. Being mindful of your breathing several times throughout the day is great though.

[@Mary-lj2uu]

Would this be safe to do when I've had bi-lateral pulmonary embolism, that resulted in lung infarction? This happened 2.5 years ago. My doctor recommended strengthening my lungs, as I get short of breath

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

The first method, Buteyko, would be the best option for you. I absolutely would not try the second method. I would recommend starting small, with 5-10 second breath holds. This video is just an introduction. Please find a specialist to help guide you through these types of techniques. Also, consult with your physicians first.

[@Mary-lj2uu]

@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis Thank you so much for the reply! Will do that🙂

[@nikitaw1982]

Wish he talked about benefits a bit more. What are the cognitive benefits exactly. Maybe ill listen again

[@nikitaw1982]

Exhale breath holds. At end find before inhale find exhale a small amount so throat flaps feel better.

[@user-gn5zq2xs4q]

Στη μέθοδο buteyko, οι αναπνοές γίνονται μόνο από τη μήτη, δεν εκπνέουμε από το στόμα, όπως στο βίντεο.

[@detoux8716]

"Now would be a good time to hold your breath"

[@mamunurrashid5652]

Breath hold method is a seriously powerful method...

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

I agree.

[@nargispoli270]

I'm practicing to hold breath for 4 minutes or more, but I have some questions or more like psychological problems, I think about some risks that are not necessarily there, is there any? And I'm 6 feet 1 and too skinny does it mean I have lower lung compacity?

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

your height and weight wouldn't be as much of a concerns as any heart condition. If you don't have a heart condition, you should be okay to practice. The biggest risk factors is passing out, so make sure to practice in a safe place (not driving or near water as an example).

[@anonymouse7079]

@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis and preferably sitting somewhere soft away from anything hard or sharp corners, glass etc. ORRRR laying down on your back on the floor or a bed or something :)

[@spjr99]

Practice taking super quick deep breaths and then letting the breath out slowly. This is a tactic that people like David Blaine use to purge CO2 from their system. With little training i can easily hold my breath for 2.5 minutes without even being short of breath afterwards. What I do is 6-8 short deep breaths in and the same number out, then I take a very large but not uncomfortable breath deep into my lungs and sit completely relaxed and don't move a muscle

[@maakeklein4073]

Wim hof breathing is harder cos you hold on the exhale.i can only do a minute max.im 66 years old so I guess it's harder.

[@djandyfiftysix1241]

Buteyko breathing is though the nose doc

[@standupforgood7810]

1.Does going to 60 foot deep do damage because of the lung shrinking with depth? I know that a lung can collapse, and (2) is there permanent damage If that occurs? Thanks.

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

This is out of my expertise to answer. However, I'll give you my thoughts on it, but understand that this question is not my speciality. humans very frequently free dive beyond 60 ft. Some recreational divers go as far as 130 ft. without injury. Now, it's going to depend on the person. If someone has lung damage, the probably should not be put under pressure. As far as a collapsed lungs. I think you're referring to scuba diving, taking a breath in while under the water and then returning to the surface while holding your breath. This can absolutely be dangerous and could kill someone. The recommendation, if you must return to the surface without oxygen, if you've taken the initial breath under water, is to return while exhaling. Hope this helps.

[@Liisa_011]

WIM HOF IS FAMOUS

[@stepanlomoz5436]

1:26 I think you meant to say increasing instead of decreasing

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

Thanks for pointing out my miscommunications

[@aymalkhan5781]

Wim hof method reduces the co2 level which is not a good sign..

[@TravisHawaii]

WARNING: Blowing out all the air is very bad. I spoke with a doctor about it. He explained what happens and that doing it will make you feel out of it, sleepy, and loss of focus throughout the day. I think he said you need a certain amount of carbon in your lungs and exhaling all of it creates bad affects on the body.

[@nikitaw1982]

Docs talk off the cuff too often.

[@TravisHawaii]

​@@nikitaw1982 have studies been done on exhaling all the air from your lungs?

[@sophietheresehautenauve]

@@TravisHawaii yes, There are studies... but it is not possible to exhale ALL the air

[@Becky-ol4tm]

I only know that studies show that if your exhale is longer then your exhale you tend to live longer with less chronic health issues. Didn't say much about how long exhale is too long. But definitely exhale longer than the inhale.

[@sherlyr.]

Do you mean breathe out carbon dioxide? Did I maybe forget something about physiology?

[@muddasirmuddasir9087]

OH:)

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

AH. hahaha

[@oorosam]

Can holding breath kill someone ...?accidentally

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

Yes. If you hold your breath too long, you could die.

[@tanjabrajovic4304]

I like fancy breathing whatever it is ..

[@fuarkbrah0]

U hilarious

[@mr.plague7470]

Someone told me holding your breath killed braincells. Is that true?

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

I'm not sure about that one. A lot of things kill brain cells, even having a glass of wine. If it does, it would be insignificant compared to the value that could potentially be gained.

[@jimwebster2864]

Both these techniques to me are dangerous. They both rely on reducing your CO2 levels abnormally before the breath hold but also increase heart rate and adrenaline levels and so increase the oxygen demand of the body and then you hold your breath. The low CO2 levels mean you can hold your breath for longer without feeling the need to breath resulting in potentially acutely low oxygen levels in the blood and a high risk of blacking out. Minimal advice should be not to do this alone and preferably with someone that knows first aid. I am a trained free diver and you should never hold your breath after exerting yourself or blowing off CO2 leading up to the breath hold.

[@ganbate2049]

Wow, maybe thats why Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him told the people to teach children swimming.

[@willieboy8798]

holding breath full lungs or empty lungs????? square breathing!

[@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis]

These that you mention are all technique options. It really depends on your goals If you want a long breath hold, then you'll want to hold air in. If you're looking for the systemic benefits of holding your breath, holding on the outbreath is an option.

[@willieboy8798]

@@DrJeffreyOGuinSaintLouis it is a basic pattern most people can do and it is a ballanced pattern to strengthen. of course it depends on the goal, all goals are dependent! txs i used square to strengthen for wind instruments!

[@user-li9eh2bw3k]

You are not supposed to use your mouth at all.

[@thehippie3610]

Western medicine re-discovers....Pranayama lol

[@letsrelaxwithtexts2114]

why swimmers are dumb though

[@hamiddersi3915]

Très très mal explique