Pranayama - the breath's journey

Breath practice (or pranayama) is of great benefit to the scoliosis sufferer. Not only does a limited thoracic capacity lead to short, uneven breath, usually up in the chest rather than down in the belly where the diaphragm is engaged, but the constant pain of socliosis can lead to breath retention. Holding the breath during the asana practice is counterproductive as it can block the movement of pranic energy and lead to exhaustion. Scoliosis sufferers commonly simultaneously suffer from conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. From a physical perspective this is not surprising as their chest capacity and length of breath can be limited. However, from a more metaphysical point of view we can liken the spine to a fibre optic cable, such as that used for an internet network; to work correctly the fibre optic needs a clear line of sight, the energy it carries cannot go round corners. In the same way the path of energy that travels up the scoliatic spine finds limitations in its movement. By working on a feeling of lengthening and elongating we can help the energy within us to flow more freely.

Donna Farhi suggests in The Breathing Book that holding the breath in an attempt to relieve pain will not get the sufferer anywhere. Instead she recommends using the breath itself as pain relief.

The breath provides a natural massage to the entire body. This massage, in and of itself, is a pain reliever, signalling to the nervous system that all is well. When we hold our breath in response to pain or in the hope that htis will eliminate the pain it will actually increase the pain. What causes pain is often not the original sensation but our reaction to it and our imagining of what might happen if the pain continues or gets worse.
-- Donna Farhi - The Breathing Book (Henry Holt & Co Inc - 1996) (p.222)

Farhi goes on to suggest exhaling as soon as painful stiumli is anticipated, as our natural impulse is to inhale and hold the breath. We must try to stop this habit, we must try to stop dwelling on the possible outcomes of pain if it increases, and instead direct our breath into the area that is causing us pain. Once again we are practicing breaking lifetime habits in order to attain ease.

More on Prana and Pranic Body and pranayama practices to follow!!