The board-certified psychiatrist and M.D. who authors the blog and website HowToCop eWithPain.org started her career with a curiosity regarding the nature of pain and an interest in how patients cope with chronic pain. Unfortunately, she was soon to experience firsthand what living this nightmare was like. Although she requested that her name not be used for reasons of privacy and care of her ongoing patients, she has shared the lessons learned on her journey of healing from both sides - the perspective of a doctor treating this elusive condition, as well as a patient struggling to come to grips with the realities of living in constant pain.

This group of exercises (Pain Reduction Breathing, Energy Wave Breathing, Waterfall Breathing, Imagination Breathing, Pressure Breathing, Pace Breathing, is well suited to combating chronic pain. Breathwork has been shown to be an important part of pain management therapy.

First, make sure that you are comfortable. You can practice these exercises either sitting or lying down, although you may fall asleep if you practice in a reclining position, which may or may not be desirable. Soft relaxing music may also help lull you away from the pain. Begin by practicing the Energy Wave Breathing exercise to relieve any tension in your muscles. Start with slow deep breathing. Try to aim for at least a Six- Second Breath cycle, but most importantly, breath at a comfortable rate.

For a running dialog of the latest in breathing ideas, techniques, success stories, and more, visit our Perfect Breath Blog . Get answers to your questions, share your experience and expertise with others, and stay abreast of the latest science, research, and technology. Here are the latest headlines:

• Ivanovic uses the breath to beat Safina for her 1st Grand Slam title
• The Top 5 Things You Need To Do To Play Your Best Golf
• A 15- Minute Breath Program to Help You Sleep
• International Festival of Voice
• Buddhist builder buried alive, used meditation to conserve breath

Watch for our new book, "Perfect Breathing: Transform Your Life One Breath At A Time" (Sterling Publishing, New York City), due out September 2008. It's a book that can change your life. In it, we illuminate a simple, dynamic pathway to limitless human potential based on not only some of the most contemporary scientific information ever compiled, but on centuries-old teachings and techniques. We share simple awareness tools, techniques, information and insight from influential people from all walks of life and professions who have harnessed the energy of the breath and who offer personal and inspirational experiences that give potent testimony to the influence conscious breathing can provide.

Planning your next health fair? Looking to spice up a corporate retreat? Need a keynote speaker, guest lecturer or presenter?

Seasoned speaker, teacher and dynamic presenter Al Lee can custom-design a Perfect Breath program that will show you how to use your most powerful source of energy - your breath - to dramatically improve your health, performance, and emotional well-being. You can learn the same techniques that are used by competitive athletes, fighter pilots, mountain climbers, performers, and healing professionals of all kinds to elicit the most from their minds and bodies.

For Perfect Breathing Seminar bookings email Al Lee at: al@perfectbreathing.com and visit him at www.perfectbreathing.com

• Boy beats astha by playing euphonium (The Telegraph/UK

• Lifestyle changes can affect cancer genes (Washington Post)

• How to give a best man speech (Tmes Online)

Thanks for being part of Perfect Breath. Stay tuned! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,