text: I remember Swami Rama of the Himalayas speaking about the Science of Breath. He stated that there were basically two ways to have conscious control over our autonomic nervous system. One way was to control the motion of the lungs. The other was through our will power. The following contains an example that combines both methods.
  This gentleman is a long time yoga practitioner who is quite active. Stating that he is active is a slight understatement. There is a daily 30 mile (total) bicycle trip to and from work over a rigorous Mountain range. He hikes and mountain climbs (above 6000 feet) on the weekends. Also he works as a Mountain Rescue Team Leader with high levels of peak stresses. The large manufacturing company where he is a senior manager keeps him away from his family a bit too.
  Over a year ago he noticed that his glands underneath his jaw would become swollen and painful. He found no exertional trigger that would set off his symptoms. There were times that certain foods and periods of increased stress would be associated with more swelling. Otherwise it did not seem to be clear what was causing this condition.
  CW did consult with his regular local medical doctor. A follow up blood panel revealed elevated cortisol levels. It was recommended that he try a course of oral steroids.