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• Breathing

  February 27, 2012 at 6:40pm

  Doing the deep belly breaths actually seems to make me more nervous. My heart starts beating very fast, and its difficult to keep the breathing steady because of it. Advice, please?

  Show More Comments (1)

  • 
    lindseylewis
    

    Hi Shelley; I'm so glad you brought this up. Here's the key: do what makes you feel better. If the deep belly breaths aren't helping you feel calm and are instead making you nervous, skip them.
    
    On that note: if you're breathing a deep belly breath rapidly, it might make your heart beat faster and mimic the sensations you feel when you're anxious. If you're breathing deep belly breath slowly and steadily, at a pace that feels manageable for you, it can help you feel much calmer.
    
    It will always feel a bit strange at first if it's new to you; if it is, I'd encourage you to keep experimenting with longer deeper breath. It tends to get easier and more calming with practice.
    
    Much love,
    
    Lindsey

    By an expert 3 months ago in Vancouver, CA

  • 
    kregweiss
    

    Hi Shelley,
    To add to these other great insights from Lindsey and Dr. Miranda, I would encourage you to first focus on just allowing the breath to naturally flow into the abdomen instead of directing large, full volumes into the belly. When we hold mental tension, this is often transmitted into the body as physical tension. Some people hold this in their necks, others in their face, and some hold this in their abdomen.
    
    When meditating, doing pre-yoga centering, or just relaxing in savasana, try to simply relax your belly. Then, visualize and feel the breath move through nose (slowly and with calmness). After several simple breaths, allow the breath to move a bit down the ribs and slightly massage into the top organs (just a bit). Try that for a few breaths - pause at the end of each exhale so you are embracing an intention of 'patience'.
    
    Keeping this light flow of breath (not rushed or forced into the belly), meditate on motion of breathing going in and out. Again, simply follow the sensations of slight massages, slight movements below the ribs so it feels like the belly is in command of receiving the breath.
    
    You can try for 5 to 10 breaths, then rest. Observe (without judging) your body's response. If received well, repeat for another round or 2 or 3.
    
    Namaste,
    Kreg
    My Yoga Online

    By an expert 3 months ago in Montreal, CA

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