Aiming said:
Mikha'el said:
What I am wondering is the EE program a requisite or is it alright to continue using the technique that has served me well all these years?
That's up to you. EE is a powerful combination of different breathing techniques combined with a meditation with seed, and thus helps on various levels, be it 'mere' stress reduction and detoxification, be it emotional healing and cleansing, as well as the possiblity to help in the Work. So it probably comes down to your aim, and also, as I see it, what could possibly speak against making use of a program that's working from numerous angles and that's clearly been helping and benefiting so many people (one track record being this thread itself)?
I'm not well versed in the Chi Gong and other breathing techniques, but I remember reading a couple of times that the regular/commonly known, handed-down breathing techniques are incomplete, just as with the various systems of martial arts.
It is interesting that you have a resistance to switching to EE - it might be coming from a year-long habit and need not be a reason to not give EE a try for the sake of experiment, testing, comparing to the benefits you've been having via the Chi Gong technique, fwiw.
I was reading this website only this morning about various manifestations of resistance. Perhaps someone may find it interesting:
http://saveyourself.ca/articles/breathing.php
"The surprising challenges of deep breathing
For something so simple, bioenergetic breathing proves to be a surprising challenge for nearly everyone. Most struggle, experiencing fear, frustration or apathy. Obviously, the challenge isn’t technical — it’s just heavy breathing. So what is it that gives people such trouble?
The challenge is emotional. Shallow breathing is the norm in our society. In fact, it is typical of most aging biological organisms. Shallow breath constitutes a comfort zone that we are reluctant to leave. Breathing hard stirs up interesting and alarming sensations, and we humans have an enormous repertoire of tactics for controlling and limiting the experience so that it is a little less boat-rocking.
Some common avoidance behaviours that I’ve observed over the years include chain yawning, squirming, blowing and hissing, wheezing, dry throat, aches and pains that magically pop out of nowhere, an attack of silliness, giggles or ticklishness, and so on. As they attempt to proceed, most people will experience anxiety, frustration or (most problematic) a suspiciously intense apathy. As a coach, “the fade” is the most difficult of all avoidance tactics to navigate, and it happens to be my own favourite reaction to breathing: when the going gets tough, I get sleepy and tune out.
Shallow breath constitutes a comfort zone that we are reluctant to leave.
Getting past these defenses is so surprisingly difficult that most people need coaching. As a breathing coach, I can spot all your tricks, keep you breathing clearly, and encourage you to actually experience all of the new sensations – instead of developing a sudden, intense interest in something else.
Parasthesia, tetany and tremors, oh my! Transient physiological consequences of deep breathing
The challenge is complicated by the fact that bioenergetic breathing tends to cause three harmless but potentially alarming side-effects: parasthesia, tetany, and tremors.
Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Well, it is kind of exciting. This is powerful stuff. But these experiences really are harmless, and they tend to go away with practice. I myself went through them and came out the other side many years ago.
Parasthesia simply means “altered sensation,” usually in the form of tingling that starts around the mouth, at the fingertips and in the toes. As it advances and spreads, it is usually accompanied by tetany — sustained but mild contraction of muscles. The hands and feet tend to “claw up,” and your lips will feel like you’ve just been to the dentist! This is different than spasm, and it is more stiff than painful. It wears off quickly. Finally, tremors may sweep through the body erratically, perhaps favouring a specific limb or side, but this too passes rapidly — and should actually be indulged when it occurs. Let yourself shake. Be free!
These symptoms are produced by an altered mind-body state, both physiological and psychological. The tetany is a consequence of some changes in blood chemistry. The tingling is the sensation of qi — when your hands are tingling fiercely with qi, it feels like you are holding balls of fire. It’s a very distinctive sensation, and a privilege to experience. I often explain to people that martial arts and yoga practitioners may study for their entire lives without knowing the sensation of qi, simply because they don’t breathe enough.
The tendency to tremor is a “letting go.” We are all hanging on tightly to so very much, including our own bodies. The breathing shakes us loose. I advise you not to try to stop it.
I must emphasize again that all of these side-effects are temporary. Bioenergetic breathing is not the same as hyperventilation.3 It is not dangerous in any way. Any sensation you experience during breathing will go away as you slow down and stop.
Soul diving!
You might become emotional during bioenergetic breathing.
Most people feel like crying. Feeling sad and frustrated are the most common reactions to breathing. But many also feel like they want to hit something (hint: try a pillow!), and virtually any other kind of emotional experience is possible for different people, or for the same person in different sessions.
Sadness and anger are the two great unexpressed emotions in our society. Most of us have deep wells of them. Bioenergetic breathing can be a handy way to deliberately induce cathartic crying jags. Indeed, some people notice that they cry every time they breathe like this, prompting the question, “What else is there? When will I be done crying?”
The answer is, “When you’re done.” If you’ve been holding back sadness for thirty years, expect it to take a while. But trust me: there is something beyond all the crying. And that is what this work is all about. It’s soul diving."