Voo Breathing: A Healing Practice for Trauma and Infant Loss Recovery

Welcome to Healing After Infant Loss.

Today, we’re exploring the Voo Breathing technique, a simple yet transformative practice developed by Dr. Peter Levine. This breathing exercise is part of somatic experiencing, focusing on how we can use our body’s natural mechanisms to release trauma and find peace.

What is Voo Breathing?

Voo Breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, a major nerve that connects the brain to various organs in the body, playing a critical role in controlling our stress responses. By practicing Voo breathing, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “rest and digest” system. This helps bring you out of a “fight, flight, or freeze” state, encouraging relaxation and calmness.

In this practice, we take a slow, deep breath and release it with a low, resonant “Voo” sound. The vibrations from this sound help release tension trapped in the body, particularly in the chest and abdomen, areas that often hold stress. By extending the exhale and focusing on the sensations within your body, you help the nervous system return to a balanced, peaceful state.

How Voo Breathing Helps After Infant Loss

Voo Breathing is especially beneficial for those who have experienced infant loss. This practice not only calms the nervous system but also provides a sense of control and emotional regulation in moments of intense grief. For individuals who face anxiety, hypervigilance, and a range of emotions due to loss, Voo breathing offers a way to reconnect with the body and process grief safely. Here’s how it supports healing:

1. Releases Tension: The deep vibrations help release physical tension often held in the chest and stomach, providing relief from the “tight” or “heavy” feelings that grief can bring.
2. Regulates the Nervous System: By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, Voo breathing helps calm the body’s stress response, moving from hyperarousal to calm.
3. Creates a Safe Space for Grief: Focusing on the breath and body sensations allows you to ground yourself, offering a safe environment to process difficult emotions.
4. Reduces Anxiety: This technique can be used in situations that trigger anxiety or panic, such as seeing babies or pregnant friends, by providing an immediate calming effect.
5. Encourages Mind-Body Connection: Grief can often lead to a sense of numbness or detachment from the body. Voo breathing fosters a gentle reconnection with bodily sensations, promoting a sense of presence and grounding.

How to Practice Voo Breathing

1. Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down.
2. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.
3. As you exhale, make a deep “Voo” sound, letting the sound resonate in your chest.
4. Aim to sustain the sound as long as comfortably possible, noticing the vibrations within your body.
5. After each exhale, pause briefly and observe how your body feels. Repeat this process as many times as you need, focusing on any shifts in tension or relaxation.

Additional Benefits

Regularly practicing Voo breathing can support long-term healing by helping you manage moments of stress and stay connected to your body. Whether as part of a daily routine or during particularly challenging moments, Voo breathing offers a way to foster peace and self-compassion in the journey through grief.