Breath control without apnea

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam and blessings to all.

In the past year and a half I have sought various natural techniques

in order to self treat my asthma and reduce the medications I have

had to take with some success. Both Hatha and now especially with

Kundalini Yoga I have found useful helps and interesting

correlations. One technique I learned was extremely similar to

the "cannon breath" being described in recent postings. Except that

instead of the "o" shape of the mouth, the powerful exhale was

a "pah" sound combined with a root/diaphramic lock, holding the

breath as long as comfortable. Needless to say this couldn't be done

right after eating! I still practice this upon arising about 10

breaths. The other technique I learned was in conjunction with an

asthma reduction method known as buteyko. Both these techniques I

have found helpful and I don't think that they would lead to

an "apnea" since the breath is not held that long. In yogic breath

control, many times the goal seems to be to slow down the rate of

breathing per minute and thus facilitate a calmer state conducive to

meditation. I don't think that slowing the breath would create a

dangerous apneaic condition, but instead slow down the systems in the

body to correspond with the breathing and thus improve things like

heart rate, blood pressure, etc…I had a roomate several years ago who

had a serious apnea problem correspondent with cardio vascular

disease, so I am familiar with its dangers. I have sent him

information regarding my own experiments with health in the hope it

might be beneficial. One can lead a horse to water…

On another subject, I am truly enjoying the "Transitions" book. It is

well written. I am now wearing white when I practice my sadhanas,

though I'm not ready to give up my colorful everyday wardrobe just

yet. I would like to also wear a head covering or turban during

practice but haven't the slightest clue as to where to get the

material and how to wrap it. No desrespect is meant at all toward any

sikh. This would be only for my private practice. Any forthcoming

instructions would be appreciated.