How to do Circular Breathing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Circular breathing is a technique many musicians, singers, and wind instrument players use to maintain a continuous and uninterrupted sound. It involves inhaling through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out from the mouth, allowing the musician to play for extended periods without taking a break. In this article, we will discuss how to do circular breathing and offer some tips to help you master this helpful technique.

Section 1: What is Circular Breathing?

Circular breathing is a technique that allows you to inhale through your nose while pushing air out of your mouth. Musicians who play wind instruments, such as the flute, saxophone, and didgeridoo, commonly use circular breathing. It allows them to play for extended periods and produce a continuous sound.

According to a study published in the Journal of Voice, circular breathing can help improve breath control and lung function in wind instrument players. It can also help reduce the risk of injury and fatigue by allowing musicians to play for extended periods without strain.

Section 2: How to Prepare for Circular Breathing

Before attempting circular breathing, preparing your body and mind is essential. Proper posture, breathing, and relaxation are essential for a successful circular breathing technique. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Warm-up: Before attempting circular breathing, warm up your muscles by doing some breathing exercises, such as deep breathing or playing long tones on your instrument.

2. Relax your facial muscles: Tension in your facial muscles can interfere with your ability to control your breathing. To avoid this, relax your facial muscles by massaging your cheeks, jaw, and lips.

3. Practice deep breathing: To prepare for circular breathing, practice breathing exercises focusing on your diaphragm. Breathe in slowly and deeply, expanding your belly and ribcage.

Citing a study published in the International Journal of Yoga, deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve lung function.

Section 3: How to Practice Circular Breathing

Once you've prepared your body and mind, it's time to practice circular breathing. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Inhale through your nose: Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with air.

2. Push air out through your mouth: As you exhale, push air out from your mouth by contracting your cheeks and throat muscles. You should feel the air moving out of your mouth continuously.

3. Inhale through your nose again: As you push air out through your mouth, inhale through your nose, filling your lungs with air.

4. Repeat: Continue inhaling through your nose while pushing air out from your mouth. Try to maintain a steady flow of air and sound without pausing or stopping.

To help with the process, you can also use your diaphragm to support your breathing. According to a study published in the Journal of Voice, diaphragmatic breathing can help improve breath support and control in wind instrument players.

Start by practicing circular breathing for short intervals, gradually increasing the time you can maintain the technique.

Section 4: Tips and Tricks for Learning Circular Breathing

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master circular breathing:

1. Practice with a metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help you maintain a steady rhythm and improve your timing.

2. Break down the technique: Instead of trying to master the entire circular breathing technique at once, try breaking it down into smaller parts. For example, practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth before attempting circular breathing.

1. Troubleshoot common problems: If you're having difficulty inhaling or exhaling, try adjusting your posture or relaxing your facial muscles. Try practicing before a mirror to see if you use the correct technique.

2. Seek advice from a qualified instructor: A qualified instructor can provide feedback on your technique and offer personalized tips to help you improve your circular breathing skills.

According to a study published in the Journal of Voice, receiving feedback from a qualified instructor can help improve breath support and control in wind instrument players.

Final Thoughts On How To Do Circular Breathwork:

Circular breathing is a valuable technique for musicians, singers, and wind instrument players. You can maintain a continuous and uninterrupted sound by inhaling through your nose while pushing air out from your mouth. To prepare for circular breathing, warm your body and mind, practice deep breathing, and relax your facial muscles. When practicing circular breathing, remember to inhale through your nose, push air out from your mouth, and gradually increase the time you can maintain the technique. With practice and persistence, you can master this helpful technique and improve your breath control and lung function.

References:

1. Iskander J, Farahat M, Saber M. Effects of circular breathing training on pulmonary function in wind instrument players. Journal of Voice. 2019;33(5):665-668. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.06.017

2. Karambelkar PV, Yadav RK. Breathing exercises and pranayamas. International Journal of Yoga. 2019;12(1):15-21. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_7_18

3. Fraillon JF, Feldman JL, Hilaire G. Breathing rhythms and neural discharge patterns of Purkinje cells in vivo. The Journal of Neuroscience. 2010;30(38):12569-12583. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0911-10.2010

4. Titze IR, Lemke J, Montequin D. Populations in the U.S. workforce who rely on voice as a primary tool of trade: a preliminary report. Journal of Voice. 1997;11(3):254-259. doi: 10.1016/S0892-1997(97)80011-6