To: K-list
Recieved: 2003/07/26 19:41
Subject: Re: [K-list] Re: 2. Diaphragmology (Richard Friedel) / K-list D
From: Richard Friedel
On 2003/07/26 19:41, Richard Friedel posted thus to the K-list:
Hi Nina,
With all due respect, the breathing method for diaphragm training seems
to have much to speak for it. Activating it and feeling its presence by
sniffing is used in singing instruction. Although western medicine seems
to be generally at loggerheads with breathing, it does have the sniff
test, which seems quite effective. I go a lot by the books of Dr.
Julius Parow (1901-1986) who always emphasized that breathing
instruction should be functional, i. e. by breathing itself and not
exercising the limbs.
As I wrote, western medicine is mostly based on simple school physics
when it comes to understanding breathing. The lungs are thought of only
as bellows, not as parts of a living organism. This is a disaster.
Probably true pranayama technique is shown best in one of the many books
of André van Lysebeth. During an inhale in lotus pose (photo) the
student gets maximum inflation of the chest with ujjayi (restriction of
the throat). The next photo shows the alternative of an inhale with one
nostril held shut. That is to say, it is a question of "hindering" (but
actually promoting) the inhale.
This is, it seems to me, where east and west are lightyears apart.
One should accept that "obstructing" airflow when inhaling actually
increases it, because the diaphragm is then activated.
The method I described with the subterfuge of replacing the constriction
in the nose (nadi sodhana) by one finger placed between the lips seems a
useful tool, because the size of the gap between the finger and lips can
be sensitively felt and varied to get the best action on the diaphragm
whose action is then improved. I find there is a very pleasant sensation
during the inhale (done with the cheeks drawn in a little), because the
gap size is varied to cooperate with the feeling in the lower abdomen.
I find it extremely easy to focus the breath on the chakra at the base
of the abdomen. Whether this is the best method for kundalini is hard
to say, but it does give a perspective.
It seems more or less clear that true diaphragmatic breathing needs
resistance for an inhale. When using it, one cannot breathe in through a
thickish tube, unless you close it a bit with a finger. This seems to
be one reason for snoring: the diaphragm is not getting enough
resistance if the mouth is wide open. However other factors are
involved.
What do you think of this? Best regards, Richard Friedel
To get a reminder of your password or adjust your subscription, visit:
http://www.kundalini-gateway.org/mailman/listinfo/k-list_kundalini-gateway.org
DISCLAIMER!
Home | Archive Index | Search the archives | Subscribe
K. List FAQ | Kundalini FAQs | Signs and Symptoms | Awakening Experiences | K. list Polls | Member Essays | Meditations | List Topics | Art Gallery | Cybrary | Sitemap | Email the moderators.
symbol.