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Is it okay to breath with your throat?

DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
edited March 2011 in Meditation
Is it okay to breath with your throat?
Or does one need to breath with only ones nose?
Or with stomach?
While meditating?

Comments

  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited March 2011
    You breathe everywhere at once. Where you pay attention to the breath is up to you! At first you may wish to follow it from the nose to the throat to the stomach, watching the arising and falling of the chest in your mind. When your mind becomes calmer, go to where it's most noticeable (maybe your nose tingles when you breathe).
  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    You breathe everywhere at once. Where you pay attention to the breath is up to you! At first you may wish to follow it from the nose to the throat to the stomach, watching the arising and falling of the chest in your mind. When your mind becomes calmer, go to where it's most noticeable (maybe your nose tingles when you breathe).
    Oh, okay.
    A lot of texts/suttas I believe mention that breathing from nose is the "correct," way...
    I guess it depends upon the individual...?
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    Yeah, it depends on the individual. Meditation teachers each have their preference, but this doesn't mean it's the only way. When it comes down to it, meditation is simply paying attention to the mind at work.
  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    I switch it up personally. A little change is always good. lol
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    edited March 2011
    Is it okay to breath with your throat?
    Or does one need to breath with only ones nose?
    Or with stomach?
    While meditating?
    I'd say yes. Thanissaro Bhikkhu, for example, advises one to experiment with different kinds of breathing patterns and see which ones are more comfortable and refreshing. This also helps to keep the mind interested in its object of focus until it's able to settle down.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    Well, the main thing, Leon, is, when you inhale, to push the breath deep towards the stomach, rather then holding it in the lungs, as with normal breathing. But I don't think it matters so much if you inhale/exhale through the nose or mouth, though I think inhaling through the nose is preferable. But to engage the mechanism that quiets the nervous system, you have to breath deep, past the lungs and down toward the stomach.
  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    Well, the main thing, Leon, is, when you inhale, to push the breath deep towards the stomach, rather then holding it in the lungs, as with normal breathing. But I don't think it matters so much if you inhale/exhale through the nose or mouth, though I think inhaling through the nose is preferable. But to engage the mechanism that quiets the nervous system, you have to breath deep, past the lungs and down toward the stomach.
    Yea, I don't usually hold the breath anywhere.
    I been practicing Prana and it seems that they breathe with their whole bodies?
    Or you are supposed to breathe with your whole body?
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