So-ham breath awareness
Following the natural breath with the silent sound 'so' on the inhale and 'ham' on the exhale — the effortless, unrepeated repetition.
reduces Vatareduces Pittaneutral for Kapha
Contraindications & cautions
- this is not breath control — never lengthen or force the breath
- if watching the breath itself increases anxiety, rest attention on the sound or the body instead
- long seated stillness can aggravate low back pain — use a chair or back support
Classical sources
- Gheranda Samhita — Chapter 5 — ajapa gayatri (so'ham / hamsa)
Educational information about Ayurveda — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.