My New Favorite Vagus Nerve Exercise for Anxiety or Trauma Recovery - The Voo Breath or Foghorn

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Apr 8, 2024

Discover a therapist's favorite vagus nerve exercise involving humming for stress relief and relaxation. Explore the Voo Breath, a deep breathing exercise focusing on emotional release and deep relaxation. Experience the benefits of triggering the parasympathetic response and releasing emotions through sound.

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ANECDOTE

Nurse Found Relief During The Pandemic

Peter Levine taught the technique to a nurse overwhelmed during the pandemic.
The nurse taught other nurses and said work felt less heavy afterward.

INSIGHT

Vocal Vibration Calms The Body

Humming and vocal vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve and can activate the parasympathetic response.
This stimulation can slow heart rate, reduce stress, and increase nitric oxide to improve blood flow.

ADVICE

Practice The Voo (Foghorn) Breath

Do the Voo (foghorn) breath by inhaling easily and exhaling with a deep 'vu' from the belly.
Repeat for a few breaths or minutes, then rest and notice any thoughts or sensations.

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I’d like to share with you my new favorite vagus nerve exercise for turning on the parasympathetic response. This is an exercise Peter Levine teaches to help people who are struggling with Chronic Overwhelm, burnout, or high levels of stress.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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