When I take slow deep breaths I get dizzy and see colors

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Why is it that when I take some deep breaths then hold, I start seeing colors? Till I get another breath back in? I remember last night I was standing over a coffee table, my arms were out like a bird and I was stretching, I held my breath for 5 seconds then slowly released, I started seeing colors and almost passed out from repeating. Why?

I?ve heard that whenever you do a yoga breathing exercises that if you get dizzy or light headed we should stop. Why, when it feels like being stoned. It?s kind of like an out of body or mystical experience.

Bryan

#2

not sure about the holding the breath, but i do know that people tend to exhale more quickly than they inhale. when this is the case, you often are not exhaling fully/completely, which causes a build-up of carbon dioxide in your blood stream, thus making you lightheaded or dizzy. usually if you lie down and breathe slowly, drawing out the exhalation, the problem will be resolved within a few minutes.

namaste!

#3

thanks spyder :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

#4

What exactly is your age, gender, and curent medical condition please?

And the level of your practice? More than 10 classes, more than 100, more than five years of weekly practice??

And while we’re at it, why exactly are you holding your breath?

#5

well im 19 and im a male about 6 foot 1 and still enw but learning fast

it seems when i take a deep breath and press thr chest out as if trying to take a shit really hard - a hard stiff poop

then i forget who i am and where i am and see pretty colors - almost an ego loss state is produced - a “i dont care about nothing - i am here and now” state is produced

if i try to escape the moment ill panic - if i give in i feel at peace

-bryan

#6

ALAS I HAVE FOUND IT

Murcha (Swooning)

This exercise is recommended only for those already well advanced in the use of other breathing techniques. Its maximum benefit comes from repeated practice under controlled conditions wherein the practitioner knows what to expect. It involves a prolonged full pause held with a chin lock, until you experience the approach of fainting. Beginners may, indeed, faint. But experts remain seated upright, normally in the Lotus Posture, and attain a restful, pleasant suspension of consciousness. One breathes through both nostrils and may require several rounds and full pauses to attain his goal. If the approaching fainting appears to be leading to a collapse of posture, one may resist it until he regains physical self-control. When successful, one enjoys a prolonged, relaxed, euphorious, semiconscious swoon.

#7

What you are describing sounds a lot like oxygen deprivation. Which gives many yoga practitioners the idea they are quickly evolving and having epiphany-like experiences or visions.

Not only is oxygen deprivation harsh on the central nervous system it is also addictive. It’s to be avoided most especially in the early years of practice and definately not done without the guidance of a master.

Please bring a smooth claming, gentle, un-aggitated breath to your practice.

#8

[quote=portland_blues_guitarist;2566]Why is it that when I take some deep breaths then hold, I start seeing colors? Till I get another breath back in? I remember last night I was standing over a coffee table, my arms were out like a bird and I was stretching, I held my breath for 5 seconds then slowly released, I started seeing colors and almost passed out from repeating. Why?

I?ve heard that whenever you do a yoga breathing exercises that if you get dizzy or light headed we should stop. Why, when it feels like being stoned. It?s kind of like an out of body or mystical experience.

Bryan[/quote]

Yes Bryan,

Kumbhama (breath retention) has that effect on certain individuals. I suggest you either hold your breath for shorter periods or give up Kumbhama (breath retention) altogether - at least for the time being. You are also invited to join my group: pawan_yoga : Pawan Yoga and we can have some excellent discussions there. I’ve been practising yoga for 22 years now, together with Vipassana, Ayurveda, Natuuropathy and Reiki and i’m sure we can discuss some nice experience.

Regards

Allan