“Breathing should be done to have maximum effect on the spine;
so start the inhale at the top of the lungs down,
with contracted abdomen to hold spine erect, offering from top to bottom.
Inhale from top to bottom makes sure that the spine is erect.
It was believed that breathing from the bottom to the top
would send the internal organs further down, which wasn’t considered healthy,
whereas breathing from the top to the bottom lifted the organs.
It also helps to work on the upper portion of the spine, which is a very sluggish area,
this type of breathing helps to create movement.”
– From study notes with TKV Desikachar England 1992
Hi Paul I would like to check my understanding of first sentence, 2nd line ie start inhale at the top of the lungs –
'down with contacted abdomen' I understand – inhale done with a contracted abdomen to hold spine erect, am i right in seeking abdo contraction at this stage?
This is one stage in the possibilities that can be applied according to experience. Obviously not a beginners choice.