Greetings,
I have been doing daily pranayama with an emphasis on kumbhaka for about 2 months now.
During the kumbhaka I perform mula bandha for 30 seconds, along with some tension by the navel.
Each round of pranayama lasts a bit over a minute.
I've found that the contractions have become more subtle compared to when training started.
The urge to breathe has lately become more of a decision based on how the overall body feels, compared to feeling forced to breathe earlier on from what used to be more violent contractions.
Since adding mula bandha a couple weeks ago, I'm quite often aware of a warmth by my coccyx.
Usually I don't feel it during the practice, but later when sitting on bed I can feel the warmth.
It sometimes feels like sitting on a heater.
I see on this forum a lot mentioned about qi gong. But it seems that the Indian method is simply to let the breath
do the purification and the opening of the channels.
My goal is to purify all nadis and to reach absorption in the central channel. While I've experienced the warmth by the coccyx, the energy has yet to shoot up. Is this only a matter of time? Should I incorporate other exercises that help with reaching the central channel?
During the inhalation phase in every round of pranayama, I do imagine pulling/guiding the energy from the root, past the coccyx, up the spine and over the skull towards the third eye. I practice chastity.
I know that patience is needed. The adaptation of the system takes time. But I would very appreciate any advice, perhaps from people experienced in mula bandha / tummo / long term breath practitioners.
Thank you.