Somatic & Trauma Processing
EMDR Resourcing Breath (Bilateral Breath)
- Structure
- Slow diaphragmatic breathing synced with bilateral stimulation (alternating tapping left/right knees or shoulders on inhales/exhales).
- Benefit & Nervous System Impact
- Integrates left/right brain hemispheres while calming the amygdala; Downregulating.
- Duration & Rationale
- 5-10 min (Interrupts trauma loops).
- Best For
- PTSD, acute flashbacks, grounding.
- Good If Combined With
- "Butterfly hug" tapping.
- Source / Origin
- Francine Shapiro (EMDR Therapy, 1980s)
- Intensity & Safety
- Low. Safe and highly stabilizing.
Related techniques
Vagal Toning (Humming Exhale)
Somatic & Trauma Processing
Stimulates vagus nerve via vocal cord vibration; Highly Downregulating.
Sun Dance Piercing Breath
Somatic & Trauma Processing
Induces endorphin rush, overrides pain, triggers visionary states; Extreme Upregulation.
Somatic "Pendulation" Breath
Somatic & Trauma Processing
Prevents flooding the nervous system, tracks somatic cues; Downregulating.