Vu Breathing
A Somatic Tool to Regulate Your Nervous System and Feel More Grounded
The breath can be a powerful tool for regulating your nervous system, letting go of stress, and reconnecting with your body. Today I want to share a simple, somatic practice I love to use myself and with clients in sessions: vu breathing (sometimes called “voo” or “foghorn”) — a gentle way to settle your mind, ground anxiety, and come back home to your body.
What is Vu Breathing?
Vu breathing involves making a deep, sustained “vu” (like the “oo” in “you”) on your exhale. It might seem a little strange at first — sounding a bit like a foghorn — but it's a powerful way to activate your body’s relaxation response. The vibrations created by your voice can help ease tension, regulate your nervous system, and allow your body to let go of stress it’s been holding.
How to Practice Vu Breathing:
Find a comfortable position: Sit upright or lie down — whatever feels most supported.
Inhale: Close your eyes if you’d like, and take a breath in —not too big (as a deep inhale can activate a stress response), just a regular inhale.
On your exhale, make the “vu” sound: Let it go for as long as you can without force or strain.
Be present with the sound and or the vibration: You may even try to relax your jaw if you remember.
Repeat: Do two more times,
Notice: Once you’re finished, take a moment to observe if anything has shifted in your body. How do you feel?
Why Vu Breathing Works:
Regulates the nervous system: The deep exhale and sustained vocalization activate your body’s relaxation response (your parasympathetic nervous system), helping ease stress and overwhelm.
Stimulates the vagus nerve: The vibrations from your voice activate the vagus nerve — a key player in relaxation, digestion, and overall nervous system health.
Releases stress: This practice can help release tension that’s been held in the body. It’s a gentle, empowering way to let stress move through you.
Final Thoughts:
Uv breathing is a simple yet powerful tool you can use anytime — when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or disconnected — to help your body return to a state of ease. It’s a wonderful practice to add to your nervous system toolkit. I recommend doing it daily.