Bikram yoga helped me realize I have difficulty breathing

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mavromatim
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February 6, 2016 at 8:46 pm

Post count: 3

#21227

It has been a month that my depression chased me into a bikram yoga studio – and I have to say that this has been one of my best choices at the beginning of this year. I have scoliosis, kyphosis, I have a terrible time achieving a semblance of flexibility (can’t get my fingertips to my toes in any type of bends). I hope that yoga will guide me through all these problems and improve some issues. Apart from all those things I have been well aware of previously, I now notice that I am not really breathing properly. It all started when I began to focus on my breathing during postures, which was hard. On top of it all I noticed that I don’t really breathe properly outside of the yoga class, I don’t follow the proper inhale-exhale routine at all! I tend to hold my breath when I’m talking, when I’m focused on whatever (reading, eating, etc), I just hold my breath for some 20 seconds and then begin inhaling frantically and gasping for air. Bikram yoga teaches me to pay attention to my breath always and I have actually had a very hard time trying to set up a normal breathing routine outside class. It has been so hard that I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on the normal activities I have to carry out. For example, when I read or study it is hard to process the information cause I focus on breathing (and if I don’t I just forget to breathe and then start this gasping for air thing). I think it naturally stems from my depression (or maybe even the depression stems from it). I am really glad I took up bikram yoga, for I doubt that I would have noticed the issue at all outside class. The question is – are there any tips for “difficult breathers” as I am? Do I have to consult a specialist or can I figure it out myself? Will regular practice help me tackle this as well?

PS I have never taken antidepressants and do not want to, I really want to deal with this on my own. I do trust in not taking meds. Thus far I have found a lot of answers in my bikram yoga – even more than the number of actual questions I had.

Thank you and blessings,

Maria

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

February 7, 2016 at 6:08 am

Post count: 3048

#21228

Hi Maria

You tell a very interesting story! You can be very grateful that breathing is an automatic process. But luckily it is one that can also be shaped by mindful awareness.

It seems to be clear that you have some growing breath awareness because of the yoga. What I suggest you do is spend a finite amount of time every day say, with a timer set to 5 mins in bed morning and evening. In that time allow yourself to breathe deeply noting the rising and falling of your abdomen. Pay as much attention as is practicable in class to your breath (because that attention is never consistent but moves from total inattention and from microseconds to seconds at a time).

Lying down is a good way to do this. Your back will be supported which means you can have an uncomplicated breathing practice that is not influenced by possible strength and flexibility issues. You can place a hand on your abdomen too which many feel good about how much easier the attention can be placed on that sensation.

The rest of the time just live and not care about what’s going on. You can devote more time to conscious breathing of course. When I drive to yoga classes by myself I do so while calming my body and mind with attention on my breath (and the traffic of course). Choose times that do not impact on your daily activities.

Habits have got you into your breathing pattern. I could put money on the fact that your breath is ‘caught’ in the top of your chest and in your throat. Those habits were probably best practice when you were a kid but now they have devolved into something that is clearly not supporting you.

The best way to change a habit is to make a new one. Your yoga and some focused practice at home or in the car or at any time of the day (so long as you make sure it doesn’t distract you from your activities – as is possible at the moment 😉 ) will most definitely change your breathing. The changes will sneak up on you.

From the information you have provided, I would say you don’t need a specialist. What you most likely need to do is let go of the expectation of a timed achievement (the stress of putting that kind of pressure can show up in your breathing!). I really believe you are well placed on the path to achieving a deep, satisfying breathing experience!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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