tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37983535.post230194162228727064..comments2023-10-22T01:48:29.378-07:00Comments on SlowZen... Again: Shakuhachi Informing Full LotusSlowZenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589294912054724123noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37983535.post-11549704685137047592010-05-15T17:19:11.935-07:002010-05-15T17:19:11.935-07:00Hi anon #108/Malcolm (also jiblet),
In response t...Hi anon #108/Malcolm (also jiblet),<br /><br />In response to your first post: <br /><br />After a little google search, I think that what you have written about the sciatic nerve sounds reasonable. <br /><br /> I would venture that the adjustments I made in order to free up the "Hara" may have had the fortunate accident of freeing up pressure on the sciatic nerve.<br /><br />In response to your second post:<br /><br /> My experience with music and musical instruction is limited to the shakuhachi, And the one American teacher I had was taught by a Japanese guy, so he used the same Japanese terms. But thanks to your question and google, I am interested in looking into this. It seems I am a habitual rib cage breather, and would probably benefit from some instruction on (properly) breathing from the diaphragm.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />JordanSlowZenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10589294912054724123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37983535.post-64050292147369569682010-05-15T05:37:43.894-07:002010-05-15T05:37:43.894-07:00...BTW, what I've read and heard about breathi......BTW, what I've read and heard about breathing from the <i>hara</i> sounds to me like plain old diaphragmatic breathing. <br /><br />Your description of what your teacher showed you sound exactly like what I was taught by my (classical) flute teacher as correct breathing - essential to support long breaths.<br /><br />Supported - as it must be - by the abdominal muscles, breathing like this feels like it's coming from, as you say, about 4 inches below the navel. While the lungs and the diaphragm <i>are</i> situated above the navel, the 'hypogastric', or 'pubic' abdominal muscles extend below. <br /><br />Perhaps I'm missing something, but isn't 'breathing from the hara' exactly the same thing as (properly) breathing from the diaphragm?anon #108https://www.blogger.com/profile/11399370114175682139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37983535.post-89080228600141639162010-05-15T05:04:16.918-07:002010-05-15T05:04:16.918-07:00Hi Jordan,
Like a lot of sitters, I also get slee...Hi Jordan,<br /><br />Like a lot of sitters, I also get sleepy foot - although I sit in half lotus, left foot on top, and it's my left foot that goes to sleep. It used to happen in both legs when I sat full lotus. <br /><br />My Zen teacher tells me that the numbness is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve (rather than lack of blood flow, as some believe). My doc confirms this.<br /><br />Whatever the cause(s), I'm wondering if your modified breathing and leaning back a little is still keeping you sleepyfoot free. Some say that shifting - forward or back - on the cushion relieves pressure on the upper thigh/buttocks, and that lets the neural fluid flow, could that be what's doing it? <br /><br />Sure, our bodies are all different, but if it's still working for you, I'd be grateful for your conclusions. It's a nuisance!<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />Malcolm (also jiblet)anon #108https://www.blogger.com/profile/11399370114175682139noreply@blogger.com