Breath retention

A deliberate pause after an inhale or exhale. Retentions change carbon dioxide and oxygen levels and should be approached gradually, seated or lying down, and never in water or while driving. In Sanskrit it is called kumbhaka, and holds can follow the inhale (full lungs) or the exhale (empty lungs). Short, comfortable pauses are part of many calming practices such as box breathing. Long holds after fast breathing carry a risk of fainting, which is why they are never practiced standing, in water or alone in risky settings.