The Reiki Cafe 

I recently had an experience where someone sat with me while I did circular breathing (for the first time) for over 2 hours. I experienced an unbelievable amount of energy in my upper body which resulted in a release of emotion (some deeply rooted crying and tears). During the experience I felt as if I could have lit up a light bulb with the tips of my fingers. I understand that I experienced a lot of cramping in my hands and feet, although I do not remember that. It was suggested that I practice the circular breathing for about 15 minutes each night (to continue for 3 weeks, until I next see this person again). I was told by someone else that this produces an alkaline effect on one's blood, and can be dangerous. I know little about these things. please advise.

janessa,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- please describe the "circular breathing" you are doing

- there are several types of circular breathing

>:-}}

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

The circular breathing alternated between a deep breath in, then full breath out, and the same with an "open throat", while lying on my back, knees bent, head tilted back.

janessa,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- sorry, but I am still not sure what is "circular" about the breathing you were doing?

- every inhale (whether deep or shallow) needs to be followed by an exhale, afterall

- otherwise...............

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

My understanding of circular breathing is that one is doing outbreath and inbreath at the same time, one through the mouth and the other through the nose. I've heard of a bagpiper who learned how to do it. Apparently it's devilishly difficult to learn.

Cheers,
Judith

judith,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- yes, mastery of the didgeridoo is begun by learning the technique of breahing in thru the nose and exhaling into the instrument thru the mouth in what is in essensce a continuous stream of breath

- other wind instruments may be managed as well - Louis Armstong being a classic example

- but "circular breathing" can also refer to other practices where it is the prana or Qi attached to the breath that is circulated (and true circular breathing is not necesary)

>:-}}

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Circular breathing as mentioned in playing an instrument like didgerido or bagpipe is based on the technique that you can breathe in through the nose while at the same time using the volume of air inside the cheeks to "exhale".
The the cheeks function as a bellow while you inhale. It isn't difficult to learn. more on that if you are interested.
Any type of conscious breathing will cause a tension if it is maintained long enough. The release of this tension is amazingly healing and in my case clears my mind and makes me focused. One time this clear feeling lasted 3 weeks. it usually wears of with time because of old patterns being re-introduced.
Another way to achieve this is to have a massage with mud. If you try to breath through the discomfort of the rubbing, there will be a moment every touch becomes unbearable and this also can cause release of tension.
Another breathing technique I apply is breathing through the point of tension or pain in my body. Once I feel the air flowing, release and rebalancing of the energy in that specific region can be achieved.
Hope you can use some of this stuff.
Mike