Coherent Breathing vs Resonance Breathing
You’ve probably heard terms like coherent breathing, resonance, HRV, and the so-called “magic” six breaths per minute — often used interchangeably. They are not the same thing. In this video, I break down the critical physiological difference between coherence and resonance, why resonance is dynamic and individual, and why prescribing a single breathing rate can oversimplify nervous system regulation. You’ll learn:
What You’ll Learn
- What coherent breathing actually is — and why it works at a population level
- Why 6 breaths per minute is an average, not a target
- What resonance really means from a cardiovascular and baroreflex perspective
- Why resonance is context-dependent and changes day-to-day
- Why subjective calm does not always equal physiological efficiency
- Why live biofeedback (HRV) is required to accurately identify resonance
- The difference between compliance and adaptation in nervous system training
The aim is to assess the individual response to paced breathing and use relevant physiological feedback to guide practice. If you’re a coach, practitioner, or someone interested in the science of breathing and HRV — this distinction matters. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into:
- HRV interpretation
- Baroreflex oscillations
- Practical assessment methods using live biofeedback
I’ll cover that in the next video.
