The Meditation that’s like “An Orgasm in Your Head”

Sounds like an overpromise, doesn’t it? But’s that’s how Dr. Joe Dispenza describes a specific meditation technique in his book Becoming Supernatural. Before we go there, a little backstory is in order. Because the meditation that Dispenza is talking about is really all about the breath and how we use it.

If you Google “breathing” or “breathing exercises,” a gazillion video and webpage options will pop up. Among the more interesting techniques are the super-intense Wim-Hof exercises which practically make breathing a work-out. But I also came across some great general instructions from the guy I’m quoting below.

The only people who can benefit from breathing correctly, are people who breathe. ~James Nestor

Or in other words, everyone. James Nestor has several fairly short YouTube videos on breathing and also has a book out on the topic. He readily admits he’s not a doctor, but Nestor has some great pointers for everyday breathing that we all can use.

I’ve included a few of my favorites below. In some cases, they seem obvious, but we often tend to overlook them. As Nestor points, breathing the right way doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

4 ways each of us can improve our breathing each day.

1. Stop breathing through your mouth. Breath through your nose. It moistens the air you breath and purifies it before it enters your lungs. Nestor points out that none of the other 5,400 mammals on earth are mouth-breathing—except dogs, but only when they’re overheated. Breathing through your nose is actually proven to be better for your heartbeat and how your brain operates.
2. Breathe with large, calming breaths. The larger our lungs are, the longer we will live. So it only makes sense to use your lungs to their full capacity with big deep breaths. Exercising, even lightly, is also great for the lungs.
3. Don’t hold your breath. No one does this intentionally, but you may be doing it unconsciously. This can often happen when we’re at work or in any stressful situation. Remember to keep breathing no matter the circumstances. It can help clear your head.
4. Slow your breathing down. When you breathe slowly, it lets your brain know you are okay. For practice, breathe in and count to 1-2-3-4-5. Hold for a beat. Then breathe out to a count of six. Try it a few times.

Now let’s move on to the “orgasm” meditation.

Dr. Joe Dispenza is actually a chiropractor who has postgraduate training in “neurology, neuroscience, brain function and chemistry, cellular biology, memory formation, and aging and longevity.” He has spent decades studying the mind-body connection and has several best-selling books. He also has a huge and enthusiastic following, including my spiritually minded nephew, Ryan.

One of the exercises that Dispenza recommends is as much a breathing technique as it is a form of meditation. While I’m not one to judge the scientific merits of this exercise, he tells us it can stir up any stored energy in your body and releases it into your brain. Do this and “you are going to wake up a sleeping dragon.” The other superlative from Dispenza: “It’s like an orgasm in your head.”

Background: This meditation technique is based on the Hindu philosophy of chakras, the seven centers of spiritual power in the body. The chakras are all connected but they’re not a physical structure, they’re an energetic one. By using our breath, we can pull energy up from our lower chakras up our spine and into our head.

Dispenser advises: “This is not a passive breath—it’s an extremely active, passionate process.” So, you need to proceed with “intention and will.” Please note, in the steps below, I’ve reduced the meditation to its core elements. Dispenza offers a much more detailed description in the book.

The Seven-Step Orgasm Meditation

• Begin by taking a few slow and steady breaths (As Nestor reminds us, through your nose, not your mouth).
• As you breathe, place your attention at the top of your head.
• Next, follow your breath as it moves from the spine, through your chest, your throat, your brain, and all the way to the top of the head. Exhale.
• With each breath, think of it as current that is running through your body and up the central axis of your spine.
• The energy current runs from the root chakra at the perineum and lower spine all the way to your head.
• When your breath is at the top of your head, try holding it for a beat and squeeze the muscles in your perineum and abdomen. Let the energy flow from top to bottom.
• Release and start again.

Dispenza tells us that by doing this exercise, “stored energy moves directly into your higher brain center. It is also relayed deep into the brain into the pineal gland, which releases powerful elixirs, one of which calms the analytical mind.” It allows us to turn “self-limiting emotions” like anger, guilt, and fear into “elevated emotions, such as love, gratitude and joy.” He continues, “You will feel overjoyed, in love with life, and inspired to be alive.”

Does it work? I personally struggle with the “squeezing the perineum muscles” bit (worth looking up if you’re not sure what I’m talking about.) But I do think there’s something to this idea of having a clear energy flow from the base of the spine up to the head and back down again. It feels good to me—but tell me what you think!