Taos Tap: Altitude Lies Drying Youth Lasers?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 6, 2026

The crisp mountain air of Aspen, the exhilarating slopes of Vail – Colorado’s high-altitude havens offer unparalleled beauty and adventure. But this alpine paradise comes with a price: accelerated aging. The thinner atmosphere means increased UV exposure, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and a general breakdown of skin elasticity. Many turn to expensive and sometimes risky laser treatments, chasing a youthful glow. But what if there was a free, natural, and equally effective solution readily available?

Enter “Taos Tap,” a specific breathing technique rooted in ancient practices, adapted for the modern world, and particularly beneficial for those battling the elements in high-altitude environments. It’s not just about relaxation; it’s about cellular rejuvenation.

Taos Tap, unlike generic deep breathing, focuses on a specific rhythm and diaphragmatic engagement that stimulates the vagus nerve. This nerve acts as the body’s internal communication highway, connecting the brain to major organs, including the skin. Stimulating the vagus nerve through Taos Tap promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones (like cortisol, which accelerates aging), and increases blood flow, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to skin cells.

Think of it as an internal facial, boosting your body’s natural healing and regenerative capabilities.

So, how does it work? Here’s a step-by-step guide, tailored for Colorado’s active residents:

Find Your Space: Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor, ensuring your spine is straight but not rigid. A quiet spot in your Aspen condo or a peaceful corner of your Vail chalet will do.
The Diaphragmatic Breath: Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. As you inhale, focus on expanding your abdomen, feeling your hand rise while your chest remains relatively still. This ensures you’re breathing deeply from your diaphragm, not shallowly from your chest.
The Taos Tap Rhythm: This is the key. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of six. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. This 4-6-8 rhythm is crucial for vagal nerve stimulation.
The Gentle Tap: While exhaling, gently tap your fingertips along your collarbone, starting from the center and moving outwards. This subtle tapping adds a tactile element, further enhancing the vagal nerve stimulation.
Repetitions and Duration: Start with 5-10 minutes of Taos Tap daily, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key.

Variations for Different Fitness Levels:

Beginner: If holding your breath for six counts feels challenging, start with a shorter hold (e.g., four counts) and gradually increase it over time.
Intermediate: Add a visualization component. As you inhale, imagine drawing in fresh, revitalizing energy. As you exhale, visualize releasing stress and tension.
Advanced: Incorporate mindful movement. Gently rotate your neck or shoulders while practicing Taos Tap to release physical tension.

Taos Tap vs. Laser Treatments: A Colorado Comparison

Laser treatments, like Fraxel or CO2 laser resurfacing, offer a more aggressive approach to skin rejuvenation. They work by creating controlled micro-injuries to the skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles and sunspots. While effective, they come with significant risks and drawbacks:

Cost: Laser treatments can cost thousands of dollars per session. Taos Tap is free.
Downtime: Laser treatments often require several days or even weeks of downtime for healing. Taos Tap requires no downtime.
Side Effects: Laser treatments can cause redness, swelling, scarring, and even hyperpigmentation. Taos Tap has no known side effects when practiced correctly.
Risk of Infection: Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection. Taos Tap is non-invasive.

While laser treatments can provide faster results, they are not without risk. Taos Tap offers a gentler, more sustainable approach to skin health and overall well-being, especially in the harsh Colorado environment. It addresses the root causes of aging – stress, inflammation, and poor circulation – rather than just treating the symptoms.

Common Mistakes and How to Overcome Them:

Shallow Breathing: Many people breathe primarily from their chest, which doesn’t fully engage the diaphragm. Focus on expanding your abdomen with each inhale.
Holding Tension: Avoid clenching your jaw or tensing your shoulders while practicing Taos Tap. Relax your body and allow the breath to flow freely.
Inconsistency: The benefits of Taos Tap are cumulative. Make it a daily habit for optimal results.
Expecting Instant Results: Taos Tap is not a quick fix. It takes time and consistent practice to see noticeable improvements in skin health and overall well-being.

Real-World Applications and Scenarios:

Pre-Skiing Ritual: Practice Taos Tap before hitting the slopes in Vail to reduce stress and improve focus.
Post-Hiking Recovery: Use Taos Tap after a long hike in the Maroon Bells to reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery.
Stress Management: Practice Taos Tap during stressful situations to calm your nerves and improve your ability to cope.
Improved Sleep: Incorporate Taos Tap into your bedtime routine to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

The Science Behind the Tap:

The vagus nerve, as mentioned, is the star of the show. But beyond stress reduction, stimulating this nerve has profound implications for cellular health. Studies have shown that vagal nerve stimulation can:

Reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Improve gut health, which is directly linked to skin health.
Boost the immune system.
Enhance cognitive function.

By incorporating Taos Tap into your daily routine, you’re not just improving your skin; you’re optimizing your overall health and well-being.

A Note on Sunscreen:

While Taos Tap can help combat the effects of sun exposure, it’s not a substitute for sunscreen. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending time outdoors, especially in high-altitude environments.

Conclusion:

Living in the stunning landscapes of Colorado presents unique challenges to our health and well-being. While laser treatments offer a tempting solution for aging skin, Taos Tap provides a free, natural, and sustainable alternative. By harnessing the power of breath and gentle touch, you can unlock your body’s natural healing capabilities and thrive in the mountains. So, take a deep breath, tap into your inner resilience, and embrace the beauty of aging gracefully in the Centennial State.