Quick Overview: Yes. Some meditation methods maintain mental focus on a particular sensation, including breathing. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also identifies a sound, a visual image, and a repeated phrase as possible focuses in some methods. The available information does not determine whether breathing-focused meditation fits a particular person or what outcome they may have.
Meditation Can Focus on Breathing
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes meditation as a variety of practices that focus on mind and body integration and are used to calm the mind and enhance overall well-being. Within that broad description, some methods involve maintaining mental focus on a particular sensation.
Breathing is one sensation named by the organization. A meditation focus on breathing is therefore one approach described in the available source information. The same source names a sound, visual image, or mantra as other possible focuses. A mantra is a repeated word or phrase.
Breathing is one named focus among several
The available information supports a clear boundary: breathing is a possible focus in some meditation methods, not the only focus named by the source. The source does not establish that breathing is preferable to a sound, visual image, or repeated phrase for any particular person.
It also does not establish what a person will experience with a breathing-focused practice. General information can describe the approaches named by a source, but it cannot determine personal fit or outcomes.
Mindfulness and meditation are related but distinct descriptions
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that other forms of meditation include mindfulness. It describes mindfulness as maintaining attention or awareness on the present moment without making judgments.
Programs that teach meditation or mindfulness may combine these practices with other activities. The organization gives mindfulness-based stress reduction as an example of a program that teaches mindful meditation while also including discussion sessions and other strategies for applying what participants have learned to stressful experiences. It also states that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy integrates mindfulness practices with aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Meditation in Psychotherapy
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The organization states that elements of psychotherapy may include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
The word “may” is important. This source does not state that every psychotherapy service includes meditation, breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices. It also does not determine whether these elements will be used in a particular person’s care.
Psychotherapy may use more than one approach
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. The organization lists several possible elements of psychotherapy, including coping and problem-solving strategies, examination of interactions with others, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, emotion and behavior tracking, and supportive counseling.
This description places meditation and breathing exercises within a wider list of possible psychotherapy elements. It does not identify meditation as a required element or as a description of every therapist’s approach.
Research does not settle personal fit
The research notes for this article state that the National Institute of Mental Health information does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health information likewise does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also states that meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks, but that few studies have examined potentially harmful effects and definite statements about safety are not possible. Its discussion of research includes differing findings across topics and notes limits in study quality and interpretation. This article therefore does not present breathing-focused meditation as a personal plan or a promised result.
Reflection Questions About Meditation Focus
The questions below are for considering the source information. They do not determine whether a practice is appropriate for a particular person.
| Question | Source-bounded information to consider |
|---|---|
| What does the available information say about breathing? | Some meditation methods maintain mental focus on a particular sensation, including breathing. |
| What other focuses are named? | The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health names a sound, visual image, and repeated phrase. |
| How does the source describe mindfulness? | It describes mindfulness as attention or awareness on the present moment without making judgments. |
| Can meditation appear in psychotherapy? | The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. |
| What does the information not answer? | It does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy. The practice provides in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The available practice information does not state that meditation, mindfulness, or breathing exercises are part of a particular service.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Do you discuss meditation or breathing exercises in therapy?
- If these practices are discussed, what approach do you use?
- What questions can I ask during a consultation call?
- Which Rooted Integrative Therapy services are available for my inquiry?
- Is individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, or a therapy intensive the service I want to ask about?
FAQs
Can meditation focus on a physical sensation such as breathing?
Yes. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that some meditation methods maintain mental focus on a particular sensation, including breathing.
Is breathing the only possible meditation focus?
No. The same source also names a sound, visual image, and repeated phrase as possible focuses in some meditation methods.
Can meditation be included in psychotherapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. This does not mean every psychotherapy service includes them.
Does this article say whether breathing-focused meditation is right for me?
No. The supplied source information does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. The practice’s FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Meditation And Mindfulness Effectiveness And Safety
A Grounded Next Step
If you want to ask Rooted Integrative Therapy about a service or consultation call, visit the Connect page. The practice invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.