I have done the complete set of exercises several times, but not enough to be sure of the results. My experiences haven't been profound, but I realize that it may take time and self observation for the effects to become obvious.
I have realized something, however, which might be interesting or helpful. Has anyone else considered how similar the constricted out-breath of pipe-breathing is to the way our throat constricts when we cry? This suggests to me that crying is a very important part of our natural stress coping process. Do my observations (which apply to me) fit others? Is it helpful to imagine pipe breath as a simulated cry? If I constrict my throat in the same way I do when I cry, is that proper form for pipe breath, possibly better than the "glasses cleaning" sighing that I've been using until now?
Also, an additional note. I've discovered that it seems harder to belly breathe when my stomach is empty (I'm not getting enough food recently), because it doesn't want to expand outward. When my stomach is full there is something there for the diaphram to push on, but when I go too long between meals it seems to get harder because my stomach muscles are flat and tight.
I have realized something, however, which might be interesting or helpful. Has anyone else considered how similar the constricted out-breath of pipe-breathing is to the way our throat constricts when we cry? This suggests to me that crying is a very important part of our natural stress coping process. Do my observations (which apply to me) fit others? Is it helpful to imagine pipe breath as a simulated cry? If I constrict my throat in the same way I do when I cry, is that proper form for pipe breath, possibly better than the "glasses cleaning" sighing that I've been using until now?
Also, an additional note. I've discovered that it seems harder to belly breathe when my stomach is empty (I'm not getting enough food recently), because it doesn't want to expand outward. When my stomach is full there is something there for the diaphram to push on, but when I go too long between meals it seems to get harder because my stomach muscles are flat and tight.