Éiriú-Eolas - Breathing Program

[Angchop]

Last night was the first time I did the full EE program in quite awhile. During the 3 stage breathing it was hard at first to stay focused because my mind kept wandering. Half way through I started to focus on the breathing and it went well after that. My head felt like the top of it was buzzing, and I felt extremely energiqzed and relaxed at the same time. I am so glad I did the full program, and will do it again Thursday.

 

[Ennio]

Last night was the first time I did the full EE program in quite awhile. During the 3 stage breathing it was hard at first to stay focused because my mind kept wandering. Half way through I started to focus on the breathing and it went well after that. My head felt like the top of it was buzzing, and I felt extremely energiqzed and relaxed at the same time. I am so glad I did the full program, and will do it again Thursday.

Yes, doing EE consistently (or as consistently as I can) seems like it's own reward, Angela. Whenever I miss doing the full program I really miss it - and make it a point of doing as soon as I can.

I have to say that doing EE consistently has been a tremendous help to me in a couple of clear ways. A close relative recently had a serious health concern that required some amount of immediete attention. I was able to address it and help him a lot (along with strong support from other family members) and things seemed to have stabilized a bit for him, thank goodness. When the initial shock of it was more or less over and he got the help he needed I realized - and got feedback about it - which confirmed that I handled this situation well; calmly and clearly. When I stopped to think about it, I realized I really owe it to EE! I was pretty level headed and it helped to get a handle on things right quick!

On a related note, I was reading this article a few days ago on SOTT: http://www.sott.net/articles/show/208168-Freak-Arctic-Weather-Precursor-to-the-Coming-Ice-Age- which has a couple of minutes of video of Laura speaking on the high probability of a coming ice age. For some reason, after watching this, I was moved to re-watch the video Laura made called Knowledge and Being that came a couple of years ago (is it that long already??).

Anyway, after watching about twenty minutes of it, I soon did some pipe breathing and POTS, and off to bed I went. Minutes before waking up the next morning, while still in the realm of sleep though, I became aware of myself processing thoughts. I wish I had journaled my impressions of it because they were highly specific and felt constructive. It wasn't like I was in a dream reverie or dreaming nice happy dreams or anything like that. Rather, it seemed as though my thoughts and self were undergoing a process of some kind. Again, I wish I could be more specific about it since it felt really constructive, but there it was. Subtle yet unmistakable.

That night I re-read the transcript section that discusses the benefits of Laura making videos (linked above) and wondered if watching the video had some kind of nice synergy with doing the pipe breathing and POTS afterward. I'm leaning strongly towards yes - and it makes sense that it would. Aside from that, just watching the Knowledge and Being video again has been kind of kewl. Like any good text, it bears watching and re-watching again to help glean whatever was missed originally. And there were some things she said, of course, that I did experience more richly than when I first watched it sooo many months ago.

It would be incorrect to anticipate anything coming from doing anything in particular, of course. At the same though, who knows how watching this and other videos with Laura in it can be an aid the process - and a nice supplement to doing EE on a consistent basis.

 

[Jefferson]

Question that maybe I should know, but maybe someone here could respond:

I have a friend who has epilepsy - is EE recommended for epileptics?

I am just thinking they do install that vagus nerve stimulator thingie into epileptics, so pipe breathing shouldn't be a problem but before I introduce EE to this epileptic friend I want get some feedback. Thanks!

Jefferson

 

[Ollie]

Hi Jefferson,
The only part that is other than advised for epilepsy is Beatha - Pipe breathing is beneficial, as is the PotS.

 

[Ollie]

For this week’s experience, Monday’s session started with wet-eyes during three-stage breathing, followed by wide yawning during Beatha and a restless right leg and the on to itchy on the right side of the body, and ending up in tears. PotS continued with yawning and wet-eyes and restless right foot toes and leg. Thursday started with yawning during three-stage breathing followed into Beatha, when this time, it was a slight restless in the left leg, moving over to the right leg during PotS.

 

[Jefferson]

Hi Jefferson,
The only part that is other than advised for epilepsy is Beatha - Pipe breathing is beneficial, as is the PotS.

Thanks for the confirmation, Trevrizent - I will bring up pipe breathing the next time I see my friend, asking if it has been recommended by the doctors already.

Jefferson

 

[Alana]

Hi Jefferson,
The only part that is other than advised for epilepsy is Beatha - Pipe breathing is beneficial, as is the PotS.

Thanks for the confirmation, Trevrizent - I will bring up pipe breathing the next time I see my friend, asking if it has been recommended by the doctors already.

Jefferson

Doctors usually recommend the VNS (vagus nerve stimulator) in cases of a epilepsy, which is a pacemaker-like device that is surgically implanted into the chest, and sends electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve every few seconds. From _http://www.med.nyu.edu/cec/treatment/vns/

The vagus nerve, or cranial nerve X, is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as heart rate and digestion. In the neck, the vagus nerve travels near the carotid artery and jugular vein. Interestingly, neurologists in the 19th century noted that applying pressure on the carotid artery in the neck, and thus the vagus nerve, could stop seizures. Recent research found that stimulation of the vagus nerve in animals decreases both epileptic activity in the EEG and the frequency and severity of seizures. After proven seizure reduction in animals using VNS, several controlled human trials demonstrated a significant reduction in seizures with minimal side effects. In 1997, the FDA approved vagus nerve stimulation in patients older than 12 with refractory partial epilepsy. Mounting clinical experience also demonstrates efficacy and safety in children and in patients with generalized epilepsies.

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?

Vagal Nerve Stimulation is a non-drug treatment for epilepsy that utilizes the vagus nerve to send signals to the brain. The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, travels from the brainstem, down the neck, into the chest and abdomen to influence activity in many organs. When a patient has a VNS device implanted, small electrical signals are sent from the device to the vagus nerve and travel up into the brain. The device is programmed by the doctor to deliver these signals (or “stimulate”) at periodic intervals.

Initially, stimulation is usually set to occur 30 seconds every five minutes. The doctor then adjusts these parameters according to patient tolerance and seizure response in follow up visits. The patient also has a degree of control over the VNS. Each patient receives a magnet that activates the device. When the patient or caregiver “swipes” over the device with the magnet, the VNS turns "on" and delivers a stimulus. This allows a patient who feels an aura coming on, or a caregiver who sees the start of a seizure, to try to stop the seizure.

The success rates of the VNS treatment:

Studies have shown that:

About 1/3 of patients have had the number of their seizures reduced by half or more; less than 5% of patients become seizure free
About 1/3 have shown benefit but have had their seizure frequency reduced by less than half
About 1/3 have had no worthwhile benefit

The surgical implantation and having a foreign device in your body do come with risks and side effects, and these are from a side that promotes the VNS, mind you:

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery involves the surgical implantation of a stimulating device, a 6 centimeter wide disc which looks like a pacemaker. An incision is made along the outer side of the chest on the left side, and the device is implanted under the skin. A second incision is made horizontally in the lower neck, along a crease of skin, and the lead from the stimulator is wrapped around the vagus nerve. The brain itself is NOT surgically involved in VNS surgery. The device battery lasts for approximately 5 years, after which many patients choose to have repeat surgery to replace the battery.

Compared to standard epilepsy surgery, VNS surgery is relatively minor. The procedure takes 1-2 hours, requires general anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day of surgery.

Are there any risks involved?

The risks of implantation are low and mostly include the minor surgical risks of bleeding or infection (about 1-2%). Less than1% of implants cause some damage to the nerve supplying muscles in the voice box, which can result in intermittent hoarseness or a change in voice quality. This typically improves within a few months.

What are the side effects of vagal nerve stimulation?

At first, patients may notice a tingling in the neck during the 30 or so seconds that the stimulator is “on.” In addition, when the vagus nerve is stimulated, about one third of patients have some change in their voice quality, which is reversible by reducing the amount of stimulation or adjusting other stimulation features. Even without any change in the level of stimulation, the hoarseness and changes in voice quality tend to diminish and resolve over several weeks or months. Rare side effects include change in swallowing (usually during stimulation), cough or shortness of breath.

My advice would be to let your friend know about the VNS - since his doctors might recommend it too - and then explain to him how pipe-breathing is so much better for him because:

- unlike the VNS it doesn't only stimulate one side of the vagus nerve innervation on the neck but both
- pipe-breathing is natural - unlike an invasive medical procedure
- pipe-breathing is for free - unlike the tens of thousands one have to pay for the VNS and its surgery
- pipe-breathing improves lung capacity, body oxygenation and helps correct bad breathing patterns; that's healing on its own

Good luck with your friend :)

 

[Jefferson]

The success rates of the VNS treatment:

Studies have shown that:

About 1/3 of patients have had the number of their seizures reduced by half or more; less than 5% of patients become seizure free
About 1/3 have shown benefit but have had their seizure frequency reduced by less than half
About 1/3 have had no worthwhile benefit

The surgical implantation and having a foreign device in your body do come with risks and side effects, and these are from a side that promotes the VNS, mind you:

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery involves the surgical implantation of a stimulating device, a 6 centimeter wide disc which looks like a pacemaker. An incision is made along the outer side of the chest on the left side, and the device is implanted under the skin. A second incision is made horizontally in the lower neck, along a crease of skin, and the lead from the stimulator is wrapped around the vagus nerve. The brain itself is NOT surgically involved in VNS surgery. The device battery lasts for approximately 5 years, after which many patients choose to have repeat surgery to replace the battery.

Compared to standard epilepsy surgery, VNS surgery is relatively minor. The procedure takes 1-2 hours, requires general anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day of surgery.

Are there any risks involved?

The risks of implantation are low and mostly include the minor surgical risks of bleeding or infection (about 1-2%). Less than1% of implants cause some damage to the nerve supplying muscles in the voice box, which can result in intermittent hoarseness or a change in voice quality. This typically improves within a few months.

What are the side effects of vagal nerve stimulation?

At first, patients may notice a tingling in the neck during the 30 or so seconds that the stimulator is “on.” In addition, when the vagus nerve is stimulated, about one third of patients have some change in their voice quality, which is reversible by reducing the amount of stimulation or adjusting other stimulation features. Even without any change in the level of stimulation, the hoarseness and changes in voice quality tend to diminish and resolve over several weeks or months. Rare side effects include change in swallowing (usually during stimulation), cough or shortness of breath.

My advice would be to let your friend know about the VNS - since his doctors might recommend it too - and then explain to him how pipe-breathing is so much better for him because:

- unlike the VNS it doesn't only stimulate one side of the vagus nerve innervation on the neck but both
- pipe-breathing is natural - unlike an invasive medical procedure
- pipe-breathing is for free - unlike the tens of thousands one have to pay for the VNS and its surgery
- pipe-breathing improves lung capacity, body oxygenation and helps correct bad breathing patterns; that's healing on its own

Good luck with your friend :)

Hi Alana!
Hey good background on epilepsy and VNS, all I had was the picture of the VNS device on my harddrive but no hard info.
Good idea to ground pipe breathing in 'medical science' by mentioning the VNS first, and then informing how pipe breathing can do that and more.

Jefferson

 

[Jefferson]

Tonight's EE Experience

Tonight there was two of us doing EE together. During Beatha I started to get wet eyes, then I let out a few barely audible cries, and soon again picked up the rhythm of the round breathing. Right after that I was flooded with a feeling of being loved and several of the collinear people from this Forum I have met came to my mind.

I was tingling, but it seemed different than that small tingling one may get time-to-time with slightly rapid breathing, and I just felt joy building up inside me. A broad smile crossed my face as I inhaled 'ba' and exhaled 'ha'. I almost laughed with elation.The tingling subsided, and then with my eyes closed I sensed a glow of light getting brighter and brighter - kind of like thousands upon thousands of filaments lighting up slowly, and enveloping me, and the joy I was feeling was intensified. Some of my current worries seemed very insignificant in that moment, and some of the things I had understood and seen that day came clear to me. I involuntarily let out another barely audible cry but I wasn't consciously holding back.

This lasted for a short time but the experience was so real and vivid. I feel light and joyful, and that I will move forward with intent, and maybe, just maybe with even more strength of will.


Jefferson

ps. I wrote this as I don't very often get special experiences, usually only wet eyes when I do beatha, and once in a rare while a bit of a quiet cry, in addition to the relaxed state from the pipe breathing. So I had to sit down right after and write something before I forget!

 

[LQB]

Long time no update as there hasn't been much change - usually a very clear, deep state at the conclusion of baha. Occasionally a restless foot. I typically do the program before bed lying down - seems to give me better concentration on the diaphragm. Last night during baha a deep memory surfaced - no details, just a strong feeling, not negative, but not overly positive either, just meaningful.

 

[PullingPins]

I've been doing the pipe breathing and pots before bed a couple times a week, but today is the first time I've done the whole program, and I really enjoyed it. I just ordered the cd so I didn't have to rely on the computer, so my sister and I took the cd player and went to our favorite clearing in the woods. It was a beautiful day here, and just a really peaceful and energizing experience for both of us.
We both felt pretty light-headed by the end, and after baha there was some serious tingling going on in my extremities and especially my face. My lips at one point were involuntarily pursed, which was strange, but more hilarious than anything.
I have no idea if this has anything to do with the EE, but I also noticed when I came home that my face was breaking out literally everywhere. The only reason I mention it is because I don't think that's ever happened to me in my life, though it might just be coincidence.
Anyway, it was really nice, and we're planning on making it a date every other week, which I'm very excited about!

 

[pete02]

I've been doing the pipe breathing and pots before bed a couple times a week, but today is the first time I've done the whole program, and I really enjoyed it. I just ordered the cd so I didn't have to rely on the computer, so my sister and I took the cd player and went to our favorite clearing in the woods. It was a beautiful day here, and just a really peaceful and energizing experience for both of us.
We both felt pretty light-headed by the end, and after baha there was some serious tingling going on in my extremities and especially my face. My lips at one point were involuntarily pursed, which was strange, but more hilarious than anything.
I have no idea if this has anything to do with the EE, but I also noticed when I came home that my face was breaking out literally everywhere. The only reason I mention it is because I don't think that's ever happened to me in my life, though it might just be coincidence.
Anyway, it was really nice, and we're planning on making it a date every other week, which I'm very excited about!

Congrats on getting the cd and having a partner to do EE with PullingPins. :) I'm sure it will benefit you both. I've been trying to get my brother to do EE with me for months but I don't think he's really into it and he's just trying to be nice by not telling me he doesn't want to. The tingling you experienced was normal and I'm sure with time it will become less and less however the involuntary lip thing might indicate that you are trying to breathe too hard. I used to get this and it seems to come from breathing too forcefully (if you know what I mean). Pushing yourself instead of breathing naturally. Next time you guys sit down for an EE session try breathing more naturally and a little easier with the tempo and see if that doesn't solve the lip problem. Have fun! ;)

 

[cassandra]

A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to recommend EE, but should she skip the round breathing?
Thanks.
Pulling Pins, maybe your face breaking out was a symptom of your body/face getting rid of toxins??

 

[truth seeker]

A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to recommend EE, but should she skip the round breathing?
Thanks.

How open do you think she would be with regards to dietary information?

 

[cassandra]

A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to recommend EE, but should she skip the round breathing?
Thanks.

How open do you think she would be with regards to dietary information?

I'm not sure. She has moved to another city, so I haven't got around to discussing diet with her yet. I would definitely give it a try over the phone, treading very carefully.
It's quite surprising how open people are becoming to the fact you cannot trust mainstream info, including diet.