Trick question---can an open container ever be empty? Answer---unless the empty container is vacuum-sealed it is not completely empty because it's full of air. In the ancient language of Sanskrit a kumbha is a pitcher, water pot, jar or chalice---a container. Our two lungs are the receptacles that contain our life force, our energy. They can be expanded and full of life-giving oxygen called prana, or they can contain noxious carbon dioxide and other gases called apana that must be expelled and replenished. After a fresh inhalation or after an exhalation, at either point, the lungs can be slightly vacuum-sealed by engaging the chin/throat lock (called the jalandhara bandha.) A voluntary but gentle squeezing of the glottis in the back of the throat functions like a valve that reduces the amount of air that flows in or out during the breathing process. It's also a natural function to fully engage the glottis when we gargle to restrict liquids from entering the lungs, or when we speak aloud. Yoga practice simply provides the discipline to know when and how to control this seal or lock during movement from posture to posture.
The practice of suspending and retaining the breath is not singular to yoga practice. When we first jump or dive into a body of water we "hold our breath" to avoid filling the lungs with water. The practice of Kumbhaka can become a "pause that refreshes" during which we stop all breathing---in or out---to notice the condition of our body, especially our lungs. It feels refreshing to hold the prana within our lungs after inhalation (called antara kumbhaka) because it allows more time for the alveoli in the lining of the lungs to absorb the oxygen and energy into our blood stream. Then the more advanced technique of restraining the breath after an exhalation (called bahya kumbhaka) extends the duration of each cycle of breath and slows the heart rate.
However, yogic breath retention should be practiced with an experienced and certified yoga instructor who can observe the depth and rhythm of the students breathing patterns. CAUTION: Breath retention should not be practice by individuals with high blood pressure or heart trouble! Students who do not suffer from these conditions may practice kumbhaka (breath retention) after a deep and regular rhythm of breath has been established through disciplined pranayama (breath control) practice. Improper pranayama practice can create or exacerbate disorders such as hiccoughs, coughing, asthma, headaches and irritation of the nervous system. However, when kumbhaka is practiced properly under supervision, the nervous system can be soothed and cravings will be diminished. For beginning pranayama practitioners, prepare a glass of warm salt water to gargle, which will also help to deter the growth of bacteria during the winter cold season.
- Physically---Take a long and deep inhalation through the nose only, and then drink a small, manageable sip of this healing saline solution. Hold the breath briefly in the lungs (antara kumbhaka) while keeping the gaze (drishti) upward and engaging the glottis in the back of the throat to seal off access to the lungs. Begin the exhalation through the mouth only as the glottis is actively squeezed to produce the gargling sound. At the end of the exhalation and before inhaling for the next breath (bahya kumbhaka), release the gargled salt water into a sink or container.
- Mentally---While tipping the head back to look upward be consciously aware of the expansion of the lungs as the air is briefly held/retained within the interior of the lungs for antara kumbhaka. Bring this same awareness to the retention of the breath outward (bahya kumbhaka) after gargling as the salt water is released into a sink or container.
- Spiritually---Think of the positive effects of holding onto healthy behavior, such as gargling with warm salt water, and then releasing the bad stuff out (germs from the mouth.) Commit to bring the good habits in and let the bad, destructive habits out. It's simple but effective!
- Next week we'll target the use of "Bellows Breath" to slowly add the dimension of breath restraint. Until then, as David said in the last verse of his psalms:
"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 150: 6, KJV)
