peggyh
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May 6, 2005, 5:07 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Hi all,
I'm a teacher in Milwaukee WI who has had asthma on and off for some years, along with nose symptoms (sneezing, stuffy, etc). Forward bends have helped, along with inversions and other asanas, but nothing helped PERMANENTLY until I figured out the root of my breathing problems.
About a year and half ago, when my symptoms got worse, I started some intense research, and started practicing Buteyko. You can find quite a lot of info online, but unfortunately there are not that many teachers, at least here in the US. I taught myself these simple breathing exercises out of the book, then found a teacher in Chicago who helped me refine my technique. The essence of Buteyko is this: we have breathing problems because we chronically hyperventilate. Allopathic medicine says when we have an asthma attack we hyperventilate. Buteyko says because we hyperventilate we have asthma.
The Buteyko exercises have much in common with pranayama, namely Ujjayi and Kumbhaka. They consist of reducing our breathing and some breath holding. Please look for a teacher in your area and/or look for the books BREATHING FREE by Teresa Hale, FREEDOM FROM ASTHMA by Alexander Stalmatsky (sp?), or EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE by Paul Ameisen. Or look at this site: http://www.buteyko-usa.com/
As a chronic hyperventilator (and former asthmatic) I practice pranayama with an emphasis on lengthening, thinning, and slowing the breath, instead of thinking of deepening the breath. In asana practice, I focus on breathing lightly and softly through my nose, and refraining from sighing or gasping for breath.
As for asana, adho mukha virasana is the best, over a bolster; asthmatics can even sleep like this, and all other supported forward bends are good too. Of course people with breathing problems have tight chests and shoulders and all chest openings and supported back bends are excellent. Adho Mukha Vrksasana and Pincha Mayurasana are best for clearing the nose, as long as you don't mouth breathe during.
I cannot tell you what a relief it was to understand my problems thru Buteyko. I am not 100% cured yet (still stuffy nose sometimes) but am completely empowered and feel confident I will NEVER need medication again. Anytime I feel the least bit tight I do my exercises and I am fine. Buteyko is still not well known but deserves to be. Coupled with my knowledge of yoga, I feel healthy and strong indeed.
Best of luck,
peggy
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