Voo Breathing (Peter Levine Somatic Experiencing)
A somatic experiencing technique that uses deep, resonant vocalization of the sound 'Voo' to stimulate the vagus nerve and signal safety to the nervous system. It helps release trapped survival energy and grounds the body during moments of acute stress or trauma activation.
- 1Sit comfortably, feeling the support of the chair or floor beneath you to establish grounding.
- 2Take a normal, comfortable inhalation through the nose, allowing the belly to expand.
- 3On the exhale, make a deep, low, resonant 'Voooo' sound, directing the vibration into your belly and lower torso.
- 4Allow the sound to naturally fade out at the end of the breath, without forcing all the air out.
- 5Pause briefly and notice any settling sensations in your body before taking the next breath. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
The deep, low-frequency vibration of the 'Voo' sound resonates in the gut and diaphragm, directly stimulating the afferent fibers of the vagus nerve. This acoustic stimulation increases vagal tone, shifting the autonomic nervous system out of sympathetic fight-or-flight or dorsal vagal shutdown, and into the ventral vagal state of social engagement and safety. The prolonged exhalation required for the vocalization also naturally slows the heart rate via respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
Treats Symptoms
Target Metrics
Generally safe for all populations. However, individuals with severe PTSD should proceed cautiously, as sudden shifts in somatic awareness can occasionally trigger emotional flooding.
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