I recently read about The Power Breath in a book by Jonathan Robinson, Shortcuts to bliss. He talks about this yoga breath that leads to a bliss state. I have never heard of this breath before. I wonder if any of you have, and where it came from. Thanks.
I hope this link works.
I discovered this breath by accident - but without arm movements. Feeling was great - vibration throughout my body, excitement and I felt nicely lightheaded. But somehow I didn’t go back to it.
This book is bit misleading regarding oxygen. This breathing is not increasing blood oxygen, but just decreasing CO2 mainly in lungs starting cascade of events leading to those funny effects.
I found some info on wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fainting_game):
“The hyperventilation leads to an excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) whereas no significant additional amounts of oxygen can be stocked in the body. As only carbon dioxide is responsible for the breathing stimulus, after hyperventilation, breath can be held longer until cerebral hypoxia occurs. The blood also becomes abnormally alkaline as a result of the excessive elimination of carbon dioxide; this subsequent rise in blood pH is termed alkalosis. Alkalosis interferes with normal oxygen utilization by the brain. The symptoms of alkalosis are: neuromuscular irritability, muscular spasms, tingling and numbness of the extremities and around the mouth, and a dizziness, or giddiness, often interpreted as a sense of euphoria.”
As a rule, one needs to suspect anybody claiming any short cut to Yoga. Yoga brings about change that has to occur gradually and permanently. State of bliss can never be aspired for or forced in; it happens. One should only let it.
In the link you have provided he advises practice this breathing technique BEFORE THE MEAL (!) … while yogic breathing exercises ( just like any exercises) should not be practiced near the time of meals. “shortcut” to bliss… what about smoking some pot? the easiest and the most successful shortcut… btw his other book is a shortcut to success:)
with the great regard to you positive experience guys, I can say that Jonathan Robinson is not a legit person for breathing techniques. Thats it. I’ve seen “other people” with medical or whatever background writing on yoga, wellness, stress management and [U]sometimes they share some good ideas that actually work![/U]… but I prefer stick to the tradition…there are a lot to learn:)
I wonder if Kundalini Yoga’s Breath of Fire causes hyperventilation. Hence, the spacy feeling after a KY class.
The Kabalabhati raises your kundalini energy. whats why you might feel spacy after the class. also, this kind of breath is very powerful and is advised only for students who already have mastered other “preliminary” breathing technique.
breath of fire is a shortcut to bliss if you wish…but as a rule of thumb all the shortcuts have their shortcomings…