Breath Sounds

 

    

                                              Breathing Exercises

We take the way we breathe for granted, and in some ways, we have "forgotten" to breathe as nature intended. Our breathing has become shallow and minimal. The way we breathe only utilizes the top third of our lungs allowing the remaining air to stagnate and provide an inefficient means of energizing the body with fresh energy. This is displayed by only the top half of our chests expanding whenever we take a deep breath. Yet, when watching a baby breathe, we see their stomach expanding. A baby breathes naturally. But a bad environment and unnatural living will corrupt the way, we breathe, and the body will eventually succumb to "bad " breathing. Breathing correctly requires training and awareness of what is happening in our lives. Stress and anxiety also affect the breathing cycle. Below is a brief method that allows one to recondition our breathing habits and to develop "rhythmic breathing". We could also incorporate this into one's meditation to enhance our training and discipline.

 I suggest spending just a few minutes a day at first to understand the requirements and then increasing the time to suit one's needs - as we get used to breathing correctly till eventually it becomes a part of our normal life.

Breathe slowly through the nose with the tip of the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. allowing the air to sink into the lower abdomen. Exhale slowly through parted lips allowing the tongue to relax. As you exhale imagine the stress and traumas of the day to dispel on your breath. With each intake of breath imagine you recharging your "hara" with new life and energy. Allow this energy to travel to every part of your body. Take a positive attitude and refrain from all negative thoughts. In time develop a rhythm, for example, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 4, and then hold for 2. Do not allow your breathing to become labored, developing a rhythm can be difficult. Take your time and you will extend the time and control of your breath.

Another part of developing your breathing and relating it to your training is to include "breathing" sounds. It will help to grasp the fundamental principles and develop our inner selves. These will promote better health, both in body and mind.

The Six Breathing Sounds

The Lung Sound

Place your tongue behind your closed teeth and with a long slow exhalation, create the sound SSSSSSSSSSS (like the sound of steam coming from a radiator). During each resting period (as you slowly inhale), smile to the lungs. Picture them surrounded by white light and concentrate on feeling the virtue of courage, which is directly related to the lung’s energy (This will help balance the positive energy in the lungs)

The Kidney Sound

Form an O with the lips as if preparing to blow out a candle and with a long, slow exhalation, produce the sound WOOOOOOOO. During each resting period smile at your kidneys as you picture them surrounded by a light blue colour. Feel the virtue of gentleness, which will enhance the positive energy of the kidneys.

The Liver Sound

Place the tongue near the palate and with a long slow exhalation, produce the sound SHHHHHHHH. During each resting period, smile at the liver. Picture it surrounded by a bright green light and feel the virtue of kindness. This will enhance the positive energy of the liver.

The Heart Sound

With the mouth wide open, exhale a deep breath, slowly, and produce the sound HAWWWWWW. During each resting period, smile at the heart and picture it surrounded by the color. red. Feel love, joy, and happiness to enhance the positive energy of the heart.

The Spleen Sound

Again, place the tongue near the palate and with a long slow exhalation, produce the sound WHOOOOOOO from the throat, like an owl. (This is more guttural than the kidney sound). During each resting period, smile at the spleen and picture it surrounded by a bright yellow color. Feel the virtue of fairness, which will enhance the positive energy of the spleen.

The Triple Warmer Sound

(Practice this while lying down if possible). With your mouth open, exhale slowly as you produce the sound HEEEEEEEE. During each resting period, imagine a huge rolling pin flattening your body from the forehead - down to the toes. This will balance all the other energies activated by the "other" sounds,  to relax the body thoroughly.