About the book Science of Breath

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:00:39 -0700

This book, titled “Science of Breath”, is co-authered by Swami Rama (a known yogi who participated in research at the Menninger Foundation), Rudolph Ballentine (a physician and expert in alternative and complementary medicine) and Alan Hymes (a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon). In it these authors provide a framework to undertand the importance of breathing and also practical guidelines and exercises for working with the breath. They also try to complement the knowledge of modern science and medicine with the wisdom of ancient yoga teachings.
The book is organized into 4 chapters. In the first one (Why Bother with Breath? Yoga and the Body of Energy) the authors emphasize the importance of studying the breath, underlying the differences between Western and Eastern conceptualizations. Within Western culture, marked by materialistic philosophy, science is seen as the intensive and systematic study of material phenomena, consequently stumbling again and again over the mind/body problem. On the other hand, the Eastern traditions, namely the ones dirived from the study of yoga, have a more holistic view of the universe and consider that the human being has a multileveled nature in which the concept of energy is paramount. Instead of fighting against the mind-body dualism, the yoga tradition teaches that there is an intermediate level that links mind and body. This intermediate level of functioning involves energy (prana):
According to ancient yogis texts called the Upanishads, the various levels of existance form a continuum – the physical, the pranic, the mental, and the higher levels of consciousness. These levels are layered, one upon the other. If the mind wants to affect the body, it alters the flow of energy of prana. If the body affects the mind, this too is accomplished through an effect on the flow of energy, which in turn has an impact on the mind. (p. 7)
This life energy is in constant movement or flow, which is regulated in many ways, with breathing being one of the more important ones. In this way the authors set the stage for the importance of the yoga teachings of pranayama (breath control) and svarodaya (science of breath).
In the second chapter (Respiration and the Chest: The Mechanics of Breathing), Alan Hymes, M.D., explains how respiration works starting at a cellular level. He describes how oxygen is essential to allow the release of energy from the carbohydrates and fats that we eat (within the mitochrondria of the cells). He then explains how the pulmonary system transports oxygen from the atmosphere, through the nose or mouth, to the main airways until it arrives to the lungs. There, in very tiny air sacs called alveoli, a gas exchange happens that enriches the blood with oxygen (mainly by its binding with hemoglobin) and cleans the blood from carbon dioxide (a waste by-product of cellular respiration). At this point the circulatory system takes over and transports the oxygen to individual cells (where the hemoglobin releases the oxygen and captures the waste carbon dioxide, which in turn is taken back to the lungs to be released). At the pulmonary level, these processes are facilitated by several structures such as the diaphragm, chest, lungs, and so on (mechanics of breathing). He also explains diaphragmatic, thoracis and clavicular types/phases of breathing. From there he goes on to describe different breathing habits (healthier and unhealthier) and many of their implications (from relaxation to anxiety to hypertension). He concludes as following:
... whether making manifest the potential energy locked in nutrient food, or influencing the functional state of the cardiovascular system, or altering autonomic nervous system functioning and emotional states, the breath plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrety of the human organism. Breathing is a fundamental physiological activity which touches man’s functioning on numerous levels, and as such it is a window through which these levels can be observed and manipulated. (p. 43-44)
The third chapter (Following Your Nose: Nasal Function and Energy) is written by Rudolph Ballentine, M.D. As the chapter clearly states its focus is on the nose. Ballentine starts by calling our attention to the wide range of funtions of our nose: “It filters, moisturizes, directs the airflow, warms the air, registers the sense of smell, brings in oxygen, creates mucus, provides a route of drainage for the sinuses, and affects the nervous systems” (p. 46). He details the anatomy and physiology of the nose, the importance and function of the mucus blanket and how regular practices such as nasal wash can be helpful. He also relates the nasal function with the laterality in human physiology, namely through a constant and regular pattern of swelling and shrinkage of the lining of the nose. He notes that the study of this natural biological rythm, inspite of being only recently recognised by Western science (infradian or ultradian rythm), is well described within Yoga’s ancient tradition. He also points to the parellism between right or left nostril predominance breathing and left or right brain hemisphere functions. From there, Ballentine goes on to describe one of the more known yoga breathing exercises – the alternate nostril breathing or nadi shodhanam:
To begin this technique, sit straight as though for meditation, in whatever position is comfortable, but with the head, neck, and trunk relatively erect. Usually the thumb of the right hand is used to close off the right nostril while the ring finger of the same hand is used to close off the left nostril.(...)
First, exhale through the active nostril–the one that is most open. Then inhale through the same nostril. At the end of the inhalation, close off that nostril with the finger, allowing the exhalation to begin on the other side. At the end of that exhalation, inhale through the same nostril, thus starting the process again. Repeat this alternation three times so that you breath a complete cycle through each nostril three times, for a total of six breaths. This is ordinarily called a “round.” It is customary to perfom a second and then a third such round so that you complete a total of nine inhalations and nine exhalations through each nostril. Between rounds, you ordinarily take three breaths through both nostrils.
In doing the exercise, you should rememeber two things: to breath slowly and gently, but not so slowly that it is a strain or that you run out of breath; and to breath silently. If the breath is allowed to flow gently and smoothly, then less turbulence is created, and no sound vibration should result. To accomplish these two goals, you must concentrate completly on the breathing itself. If the mind is allowed to wander to other subjects during the process, the breathing will become irregular, jerky, noisy, or otherwise disruptive. It is also important to remain relaxed and calm during the exercise. (p. 64-65)
He ends this chapter by pointing out the relation of breathing and the limbic system.
The final chapter (Portal to Higher Awareness: The Science of Breath) is written by Swami Rama. He starts by explaining the meaning of the sanskrit word pranayama as the manifestation (ayama) of the vital energy of the universe (prana). In his own words: “Pranayama is the science which imparts knowledge related to the control of prana. One who has learned to control prana has learned to control all the energies of this universe–physical and mental. He has also learned to control his body and mind” (p. 72). From there he goes on explaining a complex aray of yoga concepts, including the five major pranas (udana, prana, samana, apana and vyana):
The energy of prana is subtle in form. Its most external manisfestation is the breath, and of the five major pranas in the human body, prana is the energy that governs the breath. It is through the control of the respiration that the yogi proceeds to control the other subtle energies of prana, which may explain the use of the same word for the universal energy as well as for the expecific prana governing respiration. The importance of this specific prana in allowing us access to the subtler energies of the cosmic prana is also seen in the fact that what we call death results from the cessation of respiration. (p. 74)
He also speaks about:
• The nadis (subtle channels through which the prana flows), namely pingala, ida and sushumna;
• The seven major chakras (muladhara, svadhishthana, manipura, anahata, vishuddha, ajna and sahasrara);
• Sukshma sharira (subtle body), kundalini (store energy), etc.
He also drawns relations between pranayama and the nervous system:
The science of pranayama is thus intimately connected with the autonomic nervous system and brings its functions under conscious control through the function of the lungs. Though the act of respiration is for the most part involuntary, voluntary control in this area is easily achieved, for the depth, duration, and frequency of respiration can be consciously modulated quite readily. It is for this reason that control of the breath constitutes an obvious starting point towards attainment of control over the functioning of the autonimic nervous system. (p. 76)
And before going on to describe some basic breathing techniques he places pranayama within the context of the yoga system:
Pranayama is one of the rungs on the ladder of raja yoga. The first four rungs are referred to by some as hatha yoga, or physical yoga, and the last four rungs are known as raja yoga, or the royal path. The first four rungs are yama (restraints), niyama (observances), asana (posture), and paranayama (breath control). The four higher rungs are pratyahara (sense withdrwal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (the superconscious state, the ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and death). (p. 83)
In relation to specific breathing exercises he stresses the importance of the cleansing of the nostrils (e.g., through nasal wash or jala neti), and then he describes:
• Rhythmic Diaphragmatic Breathing (see p. 86-91);
• Nadi Shodhanam (channel purification) or Alternate Nostril Breathing (see p. 91-93);
• Kapalabhati Pranayama or Shining Face Breathing (see p. 93-94);
• Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows Breathing (see p. 94);
• Ujjayi Pranayama or Victorious Breathing (see p. 94-95);
• Bhramari Pranayama or Bee Breathing (see p. 95);
• Sitali Pranayama or Hissing Breath I (see p. 95);
• Sitkari Pranayama or Hissing Breath II (see p. 95);
• Surya Bhedana Pranayama (see p. 96);
• Murccha Pranayama (see p. 96);
• Plavini Pranayama (see p. 96).
He also writes about the bandhas (jalandhara bandha, uddiyana bandha and mulabandha) , mudras or seals, and meditation postures. He ends by underlying the importance of breath awareness (as different from breathing exercises) as an essential part of meditation.
This book is easy to read and it explains clearly the importance of breathing from a medical perspective and from the yoga tradition. It show the parallelisms, yet also differenciates the two perspectives. It is important to bear in mind that the yoga tradition cannot be explained through our Western science. The book also describes in detail some simple breathing exercises and it guides the reader on how to do them. Many other avenues of the yoga tradition are just suggested for posible future explorations. It sum, this book is a very illuminating book for those who want to learn about the importance of breathing, and it gives some practical exercises that add an important experiencial dimension to it.

Science of Breath: A Pratical Guide
By Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine & Alan Hymes.
Honesdale, PA: Himalayan Institute Press
1998
ISBN: 978-0893891510
119 pages

About the book The Lourdes of Psychotherapy

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 17:59:28 -0700

I bought the book The Lourdes of Psychotherapy in Anaheim at the 5th Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference and I read it on my way back home to Phoenix. Interestingly, it was there in Phoenix that 20 years ago the events reported in the book took place. The author, Carlos Amantea, was one of the journalists covering the 1st Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference organized by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation. His descriptions and wit make the book memorable. He goes on from chapter to chapter (there are 14 small chapters) delivering his vision about the different masters, their theories, personalities and interactions. In Chapter 12 and 13 the author diverges into an interesting introspection about his own experience of being a psychotherapy client and he also tells us about his encounter with Milton H. Erickson. In the last chapter he tracks the book back to the conference and finishes it with a transcript of an interview done by R. L. Laing during the meeting.
The book is remarkable by itself, yet I cannot resist inferring some reflections from it.
First, 20 years later some of the comments in the book remain valid in today’s psychotherapy. In the 5th Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference that took place in December 2005, it was also the big names of the faculty that attracted more than 8,500 people from the United States and 50 other different countries to came and participate. Some of these names remain the same: Aaron Beck, Albert Ellis, Mary Goulding, Jay Haley, Arnold Lazarus, Cloé Madanes, Salvador Minuchin, Erving Polster, Ernest Rossi, Thomas Szasz, Jeffrey Zeig. It is interesting to see the new names that enter the faculty such as Judith Beck, Robert Dilts, Yvonne Dolan, Scott Miller, Christine Padesky, Francine Shapiro, Daniel Siegel, Michael White. The question is: will these new figures ever have the same charisma as the posthumous ones such as Bruno Bettleheim, Ronald D. Laing, Rollo May, Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir and Carl Whitaker?
Second, the perspective from which the book was written is interesting. It was not written by a psychotherapist who came to participate and learn at the conference, but by a reporter who had a story of being a client within many different psychotherapeutic models and was there to do a journalist piece. In the last conference there were reporters too. For instance Benedict Carey from the New York Times wrote an informative article about it titled “Psychotherapy on the Road to… Where?”. Nevertheless, I cannot stop imagining that if the New York Times had sent Maureen Dowd instead to do the reporting, I am sure she would had found material there for a very interesting book!
Last but not least, I wonder what kind of learning the participants take from this type of conference, why so many people come back every five years to see more or less the same faculty? Of course, the conference is a place where new and old ideas are presented and considered, where you can socially interact and discuss with colleagues, and these are good enough reasons to go back. Nonetheless, the title of the book “The Lourdes of Psychotherapy” gives a complementary explanation: the conference becomes a place where we are going to listen, see and even maybe meet in person some of the great ones, the masters, the gurus of the field, and you hope almost by magic to get some of theirs mastery, of theirs genius to apply to your clients.
To sum up, this book deserves to be read as a historical document with lots of humorous and provocative descriptions of the masters that formed the first Evolution of Psychotherapy faculty, but it also deserves to be read as a base for a thought challenging exercise for today’s psychotherapists: Imagine that you are a client that goes to attend the 5th conference – what would be your impressions of it? (If you decide to engage in this challenge be warned, you can take more time reflecting on it that reading the book.)

The Lourdes of Psychotherapy. Carlos Amantea. Phoenix, AZ: Milton H. Erickson Foundation Press, 2005. 170 pp

Psych Log

About the book Science of Breath

About the book The Lourdes of Psychotherapy