Because control of the breath is on the border between conscious and unconscious, it serves as a gateway for many spiritual and meditative practices. The ancient yogic path of “pranayama” utilizes many different forms of breathwork. Yoga teacher Rodney Yee says his pranayama practice is even more profound for him than his Hatha yoga practice of physical asanas.

http://www.yogasite.com/pranayama.htm

The most powerful form of breathwork that I have experienced is Jeru Kabbal’s “Quantum Light Breath”. During his life, he created several recordings of it but I recommend the original version which can be purchased here. Or you can experience it live at one of the events put on by the Quantum Light Breath Orchestra. They describe it as “a highly focused breathing meditation process that greatly accelerates personal transformation by releasing held feelings and revealing unconscious old programs. It usually takes the user into an expanded state of consciousness and blissful embodiment. Universal Love is experienced as a reality and not as an unreachable concept. There is a deep connection to the Universal Intelligence. Participants of the Quantum Light Breath practice often describe Satori, or awakening experiences – you can expect to be deeply touched.”

Stanislav Grof developed holotropic breathwork as an avenue into transpersonal psychology:

http://www.holotropic.com/about.shtml

Other forms of “ecstatic” breathwork are used in “rebirthing”:

http://www.breathe-mag.co.uk/What%20is.html

http://www.positivehealth.com/article-abstract.php?articleid=1684

Many Tantric sexual practices use breathwork to awaken Kundalini energy:

http://www.newfrontier.com/nepal/pranayama.htm

A more gentle practice that I do is called “breathwalk” and is a form of walking with synchronized breath. It is a powerful way to shift your mood and energy and to connect with your inner self. There are many different named patterns with different effects. Here’s a description of the “Eagle” walk:

http://www.breathwalk.com/freeProgram.shtml

And here are some other patterns from the book Khalsa and Bhajan, “Breathwalk”

The Eagle for clarity and energy: 4 steps of short segmented inhalations through the nose, 4 steps of short segmented exhalations through the nose.

The Dove for calmness, steadiness, endurance: 8 steps of small segmented inhalations, 8 steps of small segmented exhalations, slower than the Eagle.

The Hawk for energy, motivation, focus: 8 steps of light segmented inhalations, 4 steps of stronger segmented exhalations.

The Owl to slow down, cleanse, let go: 4 steps of stronger segmented inhalations, 8 steps of lighter segmented exhalations.

The Tiger for balance, clarity, centeredness: slow steady inhale for 4 steps to fill the lungs, slow steady exhale for 4 steps to empty the lungs. Increase impact by moving through 5/5, 6/6, 7/7, up to 8/8 for calmness, good digestion, fewer cravings, and to bust stress.

The Cheetah for self-assurance, strong heart, great circulation, rejuvenation: 8 steps of smooth complete inhalation, 4 of smooth exhalation. Reverse this to 4/8 for patience, letting go of old feelings and anger, lessening a habit, gaining perspective.

The Lion for presence, awareness, regality: smooth inhale for 4 steps, hold breath in for 4 steps, smooth exhale for 4 steps.

I also like to improvise my own patterns. I often use fast breathing as a way to dramatically shift my state in just a few seconds. Fast breathing synchronized with exercise is also very powerful. For example, climbing stairs with a synchronized breath on each step leads to much more stamina and exhilaration.

The human body needs but cannot make two forms of “essential fatty acid” called omega-3 and omega-6. The modern American diet generally provides enough omega-6 but is quite lacking in omega-3. Omega-3 is only synthesized by certain plants (eg. flax, walnuts and certain forms of algae). Historically humans got their omega-3 by directly eating those plants or by eating fish or game animals which ate them. In modern times, however, farmed fish and animals have been fed diets based on corn and grains rather than grasses or algae and therefore have much lower levels of omega-3.

The omega-3 fatty acids are critical for proper membrane functioning and are especially important for the neuronal membranes in the brain. Studies have shown connections to autism, memory loss in old age, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and learning disorders. It has also been shown to have a significant impact on immune function and arthritis. Other studies show impact on cancer, heart disease, and cholesterol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid

The most recent study shows “a relatively large effect” in protecting against diabetes:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070925/hl_nm/diabetes_omega3_dc_2

There are a variety of omega-3 supplements and they are usually based on fish oil or flax seed oil. Unfortunately, in oil form omega-3 is extremely sensitive to both heat and light. The oils go rancid very easily and quickly and the breakdown products are bad for you. Conditions must be carefully controlled during manufacturing, shipping, and retail sale. Stores like Whole Foods have refrigerated cases for selling these oils and they are packaged in dark bottles. A brand I’ve been using and am happy with is “Udo’s oil”:

http://udoerasmus.com/products/oil_blend_en.htm

It has a somewhat nutty flavor which takes a bit of getting used to. Since starting to take it daily, I noticed an immediate effect on both my skin and immune system. His book is a worthwhile read as well:

Udo Erasmus, “Fats that Heal, Fats That Kill”

Copyright 2007 Stephen M. Omohundro