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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Medical Aspects:
Breathing making me sick - Why?

BrackishWater
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Jan 16, 2003, 8:01 PM

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Breathing making me sick - Why?	Can't Post

Hello,

I just started trying some breathing techniques for healing purposes. I'm basically just doing the rebirthing type breathing where I connect my inhale to my exhale, but I'm not overdoing it or hyperventilating. However, even though I've started small, I get ill after the sessions. Specifically, I feel sick, nausea, and I've been coughing. I'm wondering, am I doing something wrong, or do I feel sick because the breathing IS working and maybe toxins are being released into my blood, making me feel bad.

Thanks for any advice,
Will

emjay
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Jan 27, 2003, 11:01 AM

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Re: Breathing making me sick - Why? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Basically the Iyengars do not recommend doing any breath work until you are experienced and proficient in your asana practice. Do you practice asana? If so, how long have been doing poses? Do you practice regularly? Do you do any poses prior to pranayama? Some chest openers (passive/supported backbends) and restorative poses (see Judith Lasater's book on restorative yoga) are often advised before pranayama.

Regardless, you will do as you wish, as we all do. Here's some advice:
Take a break for a few days or a week or whatever before resuming your practice. If you have been sitting, try lying down instead with your back supported up a bit and your head raised some more. You may want to go even easier, i.e. don't inhale and exhale for as long as you have been. Also try returning to normal breathing for a few breaths after just one inhale/exhale cycle of controlled breathing. Maybe spend less time doing the pranayama. You can take it in stages as well. In one session just try breathing into the belly. Next time into the lower chest, then upper chest, etc. Keep making changes to allow it to be less differentiated from normal breathing until it's comfortable.

Toxins may release, but even if you are doing things right, you shouldn't get sick. You need to be cautious as more severe problems may arise.

It could be that pranayama is not for you. And it's ok if that's the case. There are many aspects of yoga that just aren't appropriate for everyone. The key is to explore ourselves through our practice and learn what's right for us and what's not.

Namaste

Emjay

BrackishWater
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Jan 28, 2003, 5:29 AM

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Re: Breathing making me sick - Why? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've heard, from several sources, that you can hurt yourself by breathing incorrectly, so I would like to consider this possibility. However, NONE of those sources have said HOW or WHY you can hurt yourself. So I have no idea. They all say you need to learn from a master, but I don't have the $$$

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have for me, but for now, I'm going to keep on practicing the breathing, and have faith!

emjay
Regular

Jan 28, 2003, 11:50 AM

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Re: Breathing making me sick - Why? [In reply to]	Can't Post

To quote from a medical study done on pranayama:

Summary: Both intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressure can be increased during yogic practice. Pranayama can increase intrathoracic pressure in different degrees, according to the technique used. The increase of thoracic pressure elevates venous pressure with consequent venous blockade and the increase of pressure both in cerebrovascular fluid and intracranially. If the breath-holding with increased intrathoracic pressure lasts 45 seconds, it causes stagnant hypoxy of the brain with metabolic changes. Thanks to limited venous return, minute heart volume is decreased to one-half with consequent disturbance of cardiac rhythm. Therefore the breath-holding with increased thoracic pressure is not without danger (cerebral stroke, collapse, paroxysm of epilepsy, coronary infarction).

You may not be holding your breath much, I could only tell through observation. Many people do hold their breath unknowingly, particularly novice practioners. Regardless, it's obvious from the above that the dangers of improper practice can be severe. You are dealing with a vital aspect of your life force. Getting sick from practicing is a certain indication that something is wrong. I strongly advise you to seek help, and if money is such a problem for you then you may want to consider getting a scholarship or work study to be able to afford the assistance - many yoga centers offer this option. If you insist on practicing alone, then please follow my earlier advice about going easier. You should only continue if you have no ill effects from the practice.

Namaste,

Emjay

BrackishWater
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Jan 30, 2003, 6:52 PM

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Re: Breathing making me sick - Why? [In reply to]	Can't Post

actually, i've never done any breath holding, it's mostly deep breathing, connected breath, and other exercises, I would certainly not try to hold my breath and thus eliminate the flow of prana, although I understand that is a common practice

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