I received this message from Peter, a student at the Academy about the utility of breath work (specifically Lyegkoye) to manage pain and discomfort.
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Hi Matt, I just wanted to write about a recent experience, a Systema experience. As you know, I have had an injury that my doctor has explained is age-related. The prognosis was, “Be careful, you are at risk of X.” Like most sensible people, you follow your doctor’s advice strictly.
Today, after the recommended recovery, I decided it was about time I got out with the dogs. We went to Erlestoke woods for a walk. After 10 mins or so, my knee was throbbing. I started to do a breath ladder, then I remembered a chat we had about the, ‘Lyegkoye’ breath; breathing in very lightly and gently, without tension, and exhaling at the same rate. Breathing towards the specific part on the body to relax that area, with a light, effortless breath.
The pain and throbbing in my knee wasn’t abating, so I tried to put the, ‘Lyegkoye’ breath to use with my knee. I concentrated on my posture, my breathwork and relaxing the area of tension around the knee with the light, gentle breath. After a few minutes the pain had gone, my imediate thought was that I had been walking and my knee had just got used to it, so I let my posture and breath work go back to being unregulated.
After a minute or so, the tension and discomfort returned, so I resumed my posture control, light breathing, and releasing the tension around my knee. After a few minutes I was walking pain free again.
In martial arts, we train in blind faith much of the time. It’s not until we need these skills or techniques that we fully understand, trust or beleive in the training we receive.
We then understand more about the subconscious fears that dictate our actions.
I just wanted to share this with you.
All the best Peter.
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Please note that I am running a Systema Breathwork course in Pembrokeshire on the 9-10 November. Lyegkoye breathing will form part of that seminar. Here are the details.
Plus, whenever you ready, here are a few ways I can help with our Systema journey:
1. Come and Train at the Systema Academy in Melksham, Wiltshire.
We regularly have visitors from all around the world to train at the academy and they are always made very welcome. Whether you just want to train at the regular classes, take some 1-1 sessions or a bit of both, just reply with ‘visit’ in the subject line.
2. 2-Day Systema Breathing Course – Pembrokeshire- 9-10 November 2019. Click for information: Systema Breath Course – 9-10 Nov 2019
This will be a 2-day deep insight into the unique Systema breathing methodology for improved health, performance, energy, recovery, and wellbeing. You can find out more here.
3. Sign up for the 5-Day Intensive Course in Wiltshire – 13-17 November 2019. 3 spaces left.
Hosted at the Systema Academy in Wiltshire, this 5 day course immerses you deeply into the holistic aspects of Systema: Health, self defence, mobility, conditioning, relaxation, indoor and outdoor training, massage and much more. You can find out more here.
My very best wishes for your training and health as always,
Matt.