Voo Breath & Humming Practice
A somatic resourcing worksheet for voo breath and humming: low vibrating sounds on a long exhale to settle the body, with reflection space and a practice log.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Somatic resourcing
- Approach / concern
- Somatic
- Technique
- Somatic resourcing
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Voo Breath & Humming Practice?
Voo breath is a somatic technique described by Peter Levine in which a person makes a low, resonant ‘voo’ sound on a long exhalation, creating vibration in the chest and abdomen. Humming produces a similar effect. Both naturally extend the exhale and focus attention on bodily sensation.
Why it works
Extended exhalation is linked with calmer physiological states (Russo et al., 2017), and Levine (2010) describes voo breath as a way to help settle and orient the body after stress or activation. Many clients find sound-based breathing easier than counting.
When to use it
- Somatic and trauma-informed therapy
- Clients who find counting breaths hard
- After activation in session
- Anxiety and stress
How to use it in session
- Model the sound yourself to reduce self-consciousness.
- Practise three to six breaths together.
- Invite the client to notice sensations afterwards.
- Offer humming as a quieter alternative.
- Track settledness before and after.
Clinician tips
- Humour helps: acknowledge that it may feel odd.
- Stop if it increases distress, and switch to grounding.
- Quiet humming can be used in public.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be loud?
No. A low, comfortable sound is enough. The vibration and long exhale matter more than volume.
Does humming stimulate the vagus nerve?
Humming lengthens the exhale and may influence vagal activity, though research specifically on humming is still limited.
References
Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
Russo, M. A., Santarelli, D. M., & O’Rourke, D. (2017). The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe, 13(4), 298-309.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
