Pranayama and the Contrast MRI

Pranayama is one of the most important concepts in yoga. Breath keeps us in the present moment. Breath connects our body to our mind to our spirit. Today, it was the most important concept in my dye-contrast MRI. Who knew?

What is Pranayama? For those who aren't that familiar with the term, here are a few definitions.

According to Patanjali Yoga Sutras, "Regulation of breath or the control of prana is the stoppage of inhalation and exhalation, which follows after securing that steadiness of posture or seat, asana.

Technical Definition ahead: Pranayama is the method of breath control. Proper breathing and awareness of the breath is very important. Swami Yogananda says, "Breath is the cord that ties the soul to the body". Your breathing directly affects the mental states. Breathing exercises help to control bodily functions. A regular, deep breath enables one to feel calm and an irregular breath can make you feel anxious. Yoga Breathing helps to re- charge the cells in the body and re- energizes the brain cells; thus, the body is rejuvenated.

Hopefully, some of that resonates.

How does this apply to the MRI today? It started the same way as the others.

Change into an unattractive gown: check.

Layer another gown on top of it: check.

Notice how much more attractive the Ugg boots look compared to the running shoes and socks worn during the Breast MRI: check.

Helpful technician inserted yet another dye-filled IV into my left arm. Same technician astutely noted that it looked like my left arm "had been getting some action." Ummm, yeah.

Get strapped onto the bed. Choose Alternative Rock for my headphones. Although the MRI sounds drown out most of the music, I did enjoy half a Foo Fighters song, and that makes me happy. Get inserted into the coffin-like machine.

Back to the Pranayama. The test consisted of being instructed to start and stop my breath. Several times, he had me hold my breath for very long periods. A few times I wasn't sure if I was still holding it, sometimes I thought I'd faint before I heard his voice telling me to breathe. I'm used to teaching breathwork, studying it, using it and I could barely hold my breath long enough. Is this how some of my students feel when I continually tell them to inhale and exhale? I'm sorry!

Did I have any epiphanies while I practiced my breath work? Nope. Just a series of random thoughts: How do bigger people fit in here? if I stick my tongue out could I lick the top? how would a smoker hold his/her breath long enough? how many more times will I have to hold my breath? what if I pass out in here? should I have chosen Guns-n-Roses instead of alternative rock? what will I have for breakfast when I'm hatched from the machine? Not exactly profound.

And, the elephant in the room: will this test reveal that the spot on my liver is benign?