When you first practice breath holding, you may experience a strong sense of fear and discomfort. This comes from the respiratory centre and from a conditioned fear response, both found in the reptilian brain.

In the 1960’s, psychologist Paul Maclean published his Triune Brain theory. According to his theory, the human brain can be separated into 3 distinct sections: the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the neocortex (“The Evolutionary Layers Of The Human Brain”, n. d.). The theory has since been updated and modified in accordance with developments in neuroscience. It provides us with a great framework to explain the fear response that can accompany breath holding.

Reptilian Brain

The reptilian brain is the most primitive part of the brain and will instinctively trigger you to breathe much sooner than you actually need to. It is driven by the need to survive at all costs. It controls the body’s vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and balance. It deals with sexual urges and the instinctive drive to procreate. It gets angry in response to danger, and it processes fear.

Imagine each section of the brain represents 3 different people with different personalities. Your reptilian brain is the horny, hungry and fearful one. It likes to take revenge and get angry, but it would rather run away than fight. And fight to the death it shall if it mean your survival depends on it! It is also the reason why you may choose survival and security over following your more “risky” or ambitious passions.

Limbic System

The next region of the brain is the limbic system. It is driven by the need to fulfil desire and satisfy hunger. The main structures of the limbic brain are the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the hypothalamus. It deals with emotions, desires, and our value judgements.

Memories of positive or negative experiences in early life create imprints and conditioning that lead to hard-wired habits programmed deep into your limbic system. Most of our subconscious behaviours are formed in this region of the brain. Both the reptilian and limbic systems are core components of the subconscious mind.

Neocortex

The third and most recently developed region of the brain is the neocortex. This is also considered the “human” part of the brain as it is what really distinguishes us from other animals. It is driven by the need for connection and belonging.

This region of the brain deals with reasoning, imagination, creativity, and problem solving. It is where the higher intellectual functions reside and it is considered the seat of compassion and forgiveness.

Charm The Reptilian Brain

Under perceived stress we are in a struggle for survival and it is our reptilian and limbic regions of the brain that dominate. The fundamental drivers are money, sex and food/ fuel. When any of these areas of life are unstable or inconsistent, your reptilian brain is switched on and you are at risk of making very irrational decisions or actions.

You can charm the snake and bring your life back under conscious control using Nisshesha Rechaka Kumbhaka.