Six Healing Sounds

Six quiet sounds on six long exhales, one for each organ system.

18 breathsPittaVata

How to do it

Breathe in quietly through the nose, then make one soft sustained sound on the whole out-breath — traditionally six sounds, one per organ system, three breaths each. Keep every sound quiet enough that someone in the next room wouldn't hear it. Rest for a breath between sounds.

SeatedSeated — exactly the same.

The sequence

6 steps

1XŪ (嘘) — LiverA soft breathy 'shhh'. Three long exhales.
2HĒ (呵) — HeartAn open 'haaa', as if fogging a window. Three exhales.
3HŪ (呼) — SpleenA rounded 'hoo', lips forward. Three exhales.
4SĪ (呬) — LungsA thin 'sss' through the teeth. Three exhales.
5CHUĪ (吹) — KidneysA blowing 'chway', lips pursed as if cooling tea. Three exhales.
6XĪ (嘻) — Triple BurnerA light 'sheee', almost a laugh. Three exhales, then sit quietly.

What it does

A vocal breath practice — easier to stay with than silent breathing for most people.

When you'll be given it

Pitta protocol evenings, and Vata days that need a longer wind-down.

Where it comes from

Liu Zi Jue, described in Chinese medical texts from around the 6th century.

Another traditionChinese qigong — not Ayurvedic.

Take care

Keep the sounds soft. Skip it with a sore throat, and never strain the voice.

Not sure whether it suits you? Ask a Vaidya.

There's no button here to start this. Your practice is prescribed each morning — that's what keeps the dose honest.