The numbers do not refer to seconds or minutes, but to breath counts (cycles per minute). This specific pattern is a controlled, cyclical breathing rhythm that moves through three distinct phases:
: Long, deep "Soham" cycles (often described as "big circles"). 40 Medium Breaths : Rhythmic cycles at a moderate pace ("medium circles"). 40 Fast Breaths : Quicker, shorter cycles ("small circles"). This full set is usually repeated three times
confirms that this specific rhythm helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, significantly lowering cortisol levels. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
Practicing in a ensures a steady supply of fresh oxygen. sudarshan kriya 20 40 40 audio top
Download the "Art of Living" app (iOS/Android). After you learn from a teacher, the app includes guided kriya audios with the correct 20-40-40 counts.
Sudarshan Kriya is a sacred breathing practice taught by the Art of Living Foundation. "Su" means right, "darshan" means vision, and "Kriya" means purifying action. The technique uses cyclical breathing rhythms to release deeply stored physical and emotional toxins. The Science Behind the Breath
This specific sequence ensures that the practitioner experiences both physiological arousal (clearing out stagnation) and deep cellular relaxation. The Benefits of Practicing with Audio The numbers do not refer to seconds or
Chanted three times with prolonged exhalation to align with the "sound of the cosmos". Sudarshan Kriya:
The 20-40-40 progression specifically stimulates the . The slow phases (20) tone the vagus nerve, which improves heart rate variability (HRV)—a key marker of longevity and stress resilience. The faster phases (40) challenge the system, creating a "workout" for the nervous system that builds stamina.
The sequence refers to the tempo (beats per minute) or the relative rhythm speeds used in the "Long Kriya" or home practice version. 40 Fast Breaths : Quicker, shorter cycles ("small circles")
In the world of wellness and stress management, few breathing techniques have garnered as much global acclaim as the Sudarshan Kriya. Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this rhythmic breathing practice is known for its profound ability to flush out stress, boost immunity, and create a state of deep mental rest. But for many practitioners, the journey begins with a specific, almost cryptic set of numbers: .
: Ujjayi breathing focused on the mid-lobes of the lungs.