VOO Breathing is a vocal vagus nerve stimulation technique developed by Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing. It’s used to help calm the nervous system, especially for those experiencing anxiety, trauma responses, or dysregulation. The deep vocalization of "VOO" stimulates the vagus nerve through vibration, helping shift the body out of a fight, flight, or freeze state.

VOO Breathing Exercise (Somatic Regulation Tool)
1. Find a comfortable position.
Sit or lie down. Let your body feel supported. Relax your jaw and shoulders.

2. Take a deep breath in.
Inhale slowly and fully through your nose…
Fill your lungs and belly.

3. Exhale with the sound “VOO…”
As you exhale, make a deep, resonant “vooooooo” sound (like a foghorn).
Let the sound come from your belly—not your throat.
Feel the vibration in your chest, throat, or lips.
Drag it out as long as you comfortably can until you're out of breath.

It should sound like:
Vooooooo… (low, slow, and steady)

4. Pause.
Notice what’s happening in your body.
Do you feel a shift—maybe more grounded, tingly, warm, or relaxed?

5. Repeat.
Do 3–5 rounds, taking slow breaths between each one.
No need to force—let your body guide the pace.

Why It Works:
Vibrational tone stimulates the vagal nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system

Helps regulate breathing, heart rate, and digestion

Can reduce panic, anxiety, or dissociation

Grounding and reconnects you with your felt sense (your body’s internal awareness)