breath of fire

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam,

 

While reading an article in the Yoga Journal I came

across

this "Bhastrika pranayama (often known as "Breath of

Fire") can damage or even destroy the nervous system.

I'll never forget a woman who came to me . She was

extremely agitated, constantly distracted, and

couldn't finish a thought or a sentence. I learned

that her nervous system was burnt out from years of

practicing pranayama improperly, specifically

bhastrika and kapalabhati (Skull-shining breath). When

an excess of pranic energy floods the nervous system,

it is like a balloon that's filled with more air than

it has the strength to contain. The nervous system is

shattered and severe mental trauma can result. The

body must be properly prepared with years of asana

(especially backbends) to safely receive and contain

the power of prana"

 

Is Bhastrika, similar to the Kundalini Breath of Fire,

and what

is your opinion on the above statement.

 

Sign me,

Curious

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Kundaliniyoga, linda kirby

<assortedbeings> wrote:

>

> Sat Nam,

>

> While reading an article in the Yoga Journal I came

> across

> this "Bhastrika pranayama (often known as "Breath of

> Fire") can damage or even destroy the nervous system.

> I'll never forget a woman who came to me . She was

> extremely agitated, constantly distracted, and

> couldn't finish a thought or a sentence. I learned

> that her nervous system was burnt out from years of

> practicing pranayama improperly, specifically

> bhastrika and kapalabhati (Skull-shining breath). When

> an excess of pranic energy floods the nervous system,

> it is like a balloon that's filled with more air than

> it has the strength to contain. The nervous system is

> shattered and severe mental trauma can result. The

> body must be properly prepared with years of asana

> (especially backbends) to safely receive and contain

> the power of prana"

>

> Is Bhastrika, similar to the Kundalini Breath of Fire,

> and what

> is your opinion on the above statement.

>

> Sign me,

> Curious

--------------------

Having practiced both hatha yoga(Sivananda) and kundalini yoga

, I will say that improper practice of any type of pranayam is

contrary to the balance and integration one is building in

practice.

 

When Breath of Fire (Agni Pranayam) is properly practiced with

awareness and focus , there is no problem.

 

However to play with pranayam is foolish.

 

If you are going to pilot a jetplane you must learn the basics, and

practice with precise supervision .

 

Then as they say:" the sky is the limit."

 

And yes Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) is the same as Breath of

Fire... if the inhale

and exhale is even,balanced and equal.The nervous system

does adjusts gradually, and gets strenghtened and energized.

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam,

 

 

> > While reading an article in the Yoga Journal I came

> > across this "Bhastrika pranayama (often known as "Breath of Fire") can

damage or even destroy the nervous system.

 

Every aspect of life is about learning. Everything we do can have negative

and positive affects depending upon how we do it, our attitude and our

intention. So our goal is to learn how to do whatever it is is in the most

beneficial and correct way possible. And to have a positive attitude and an

intention to receive and give more love instead of fear.

 

> > I'll never forget a woman who came to me . She was

> > extremely agitated, constantly distracted, and

> > couldn't finish a thought or a sentence. I learned

> > that her nervous system was burnt out from years of

> > practicing pranayama improperly, specifically

> > bhastrika and kapalabhati (Skull-shining breath).

 

* This person obviously had a destructive tendency and propensity to be

aggitated. Many of us have this to a lesser or greater degree. In the

practice of KY we are asked to tune in with the adi mantra so that we can

receive guidance from the masters of KY. Then we are advised to LISTEN to

the guidance. We are also advised to pay attention to how we feel. (This

advise is not limited to KY)

 

If we feel more aggitated or have negative responses we listen to our body.

If your body says "don't do this, it will hurt me" we stop, rest, listen

and proceed according to the intuitive and instinctual messages that we are

receiving. Or we ask for advise.

 

When an excess of pranic energy floods the nervous system, > it is like a

balloon that's filled with more air than

> > it has the strength to contain. The nervous system is

> > shattered and severe mental trauma can result. The

> > body must be properly prepared with years of asana

> > (especially backbends) to safely receive and contain

> > the power of prana"

 

* In other words, don't breath until you have done years of back bends? I

would suggest practicing long deep breathing in sitting pose, during life's

activities and in other yogic postures. There are some postures that create

a natural LDB. One is the Meditation for Emotional Balance that is in Relax

and Renew. I think it is also in one of the on line lessons.

 

I have noticed some students who come from hatha yoga (not all) accentuate

the in breath too much while doing breath of fire. If you actually try to

inhale, this happens. If you concentrate on the exhale, the inhale comes

naturally. Also the B of F is done from the navel point and above in the

lower diaphram. Not below the navel point in the lower belly. THe latter

slows down the breath and makes it sluggish.

 

So after this statement (with noted fear/ego element) did the article give

any advise on how to breathe properly? i.e. any inspiration or instruction

in the mix?

 

Pietre has some good advise on bof f. Hey, Pietre, want to post it again?

 

>what is your opinion on the above statement.

 

That is my opinion.

 

Sat nam,

 

Gururattan Kaur