“Moon Breathing” is the Latest Japanese Trend For a Good Night’s Sleep

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

There are few things worse than lying awake tossing and turning because you can’t get to sleep. Unfortunately, insomnia is something that most of us will face at some point in our lives. In these anxious times, sleep disorders are on the rise.

If you’ve tried herbal teas, aromatherapy, and even over-the-counter sleep medication but still can’t get the shut-eye you need, try moon breathing. It’s a technique that originates in Japan and it is helping many Americans get to sleep a little easier.

“For the times when you can’t sleep, I am going to share with you a short breathing exercise that I find helps me when it is 3 am and my mind is racing with nonsense thoughts,” Sarah Harvey, author of Kaizen: The Japanese Method for Transforming Habits, One Small Step at a Time, explains.

To start with, sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Relax your eyes and imagine your eyeballs are swimming in cooling pools of water.

Close your right nostril with your right thumb and breathe in through your left nostril. Switch your fingers over and breathe out through your right nostril with your left nostril closed, creating a circular breathing pattern.

Repeating this process for a couple of minutes will slow your breathing and help you feel more relaxed. This prepares your body for a calm, peaceful rest.