Ever heard of Tummo breathing? It’s not a passing wellness trend, nor some secret esoteric trick from a New Age guru. It’s an ancient, powerful practice born in the mountains of Tibet, where monks still use it today to activate the so-called “inner fire.”

Its goal isn’t just to generate body heat—though it really does that—but to awaken deep energy, bring awareness to the body and mind, and build a stable, grounded presence.

In a world that constantly pushes us to be “out there,” connected, productive, reactive… Tummo calls us to go within. Literally. Through the breath.

Tummo’s Roots: More Than Just Breathing

Tummo, in Tibetan, means “fierce heat” or “inner fire.” It’s part of the Six Yogas of Naropa, a set of advanced spiritual practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. The aim? Liberation from mental conditioning, expanded awareness, and the activation of dormant vital energy—also known as kundalini.

Breath is just one element of Tummo. The others include visualization, focused awareness, and precise posture. Combined, they create a deeply altered state where mind and body act as one.

How It’s Practiced (Briefly, Don’t DIY)

In a Tummo session, you sit in meditation posture, spine straight. You breathe deeply, rhythmically, holding your breath at full lungs, then forcefully exhaling. During the breath, you visualize a fire burning in your navel area, growing and warming your whole body from within.

This visualization isn’t a casual “happy thought”: it’s central to the practice. The warmth you feel comes both from physical mechanisms (oxygenation, muscle tension) and deep mental involvement.

Some Tibetan monks, after years of practice, have reached the point of drying wet sheets on their shoulders… in the snow.

Science Is Paying Attention

Tummo breathing has intrigued researchers, especially after studies observed monks in controlled settings. Dr. Herbert Benson, from Harvard Medical School, was one of the first to study the practice seriously. His results? Significant increases in body temperature—using breath and focus alone.

Then came Wim Hof, the “Iceman,” (which I also talk about here), ho brought a Tummo-inspired breath technique to the West. He too has been studied extensively, showing he can influence the autonomic nervous system, reduce inflammation, and improve immune response—all with breathing.

Reported Benefits

Beyond physical warmth, Tummo practitioners often describe deep centeredness. The mind quiets, becomes clearer. The body feels activated, almost recharged.

People report more energy, better sleep, and a sense of inner power. Stress decreases, digestion improves, and focus sharpens. There’s a sense of mastering your internal state—and that reflects on everyday life.

But It’s Not for Everyone

Let’s be real: this isn’t a beginner’s breathing technique. And it’s definitely not something to try from a TikTok tutorial. Tummo can bring intense physiological and psychological responses, and doing it wrong can lead to hyperventilation, dizziness, or mental overload.

You need preparation, patience, and ideally a qualified guide. Start with easier breathwork—like box breathing, coherent breathing, or basic pranayama. Once you’ve developed a good sense of internal awareness, you can explore more advanced techniques.

Why It Matters Today

Tummo might be ancient, but its message is strikingly modern: within us lie untapped energy and awareness. While we chase answers outside, the breath reminds us of our power inside.

Tummo isn’t just for monks or extreme athletes. It’s a symbol. Proof that we can generate heat, strength, and presence—starting from what we’ve always had: the breath.

Final Thoughts

Tummo breathing is a journey. Not one for shortcuts or trendy hype. It’s a serious, ancient path that asks for respect and patience. But if you're ready to explore your inner depths, to light up new awareness, maybe Tummo has something to offer you.

No need to climb the Himalayas. Just start listening—really listening—to your breath. If you want to approach this method in a safe way and with professional supervision, well get in touch with me!