Sickness during meditation

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Good evening all,

Have been having some rather strage sensations of sickness during meditation and was wondering if anyone here would like to offer their thoughts on the matter.

Meditation practice has been going well and have been able to attain some rather deep states. I have been using music/sounds/guided meditations but seem to be having the rather unfourtnate side effect of feeling physically ill in my stomach after about 20 mins. Not entirely sure of possable causes but there is 3 that I can think of first being that I have never been good at deep controled breathing, second my room doesn't have much in the way of furniture and I must sit on the bed which may be causing blockages in enery flow, third and most probable is that due to my delightful years of alcahol abuse the doc reckons I have damaged my stomach, so hoping that a course of medication and pretty much quitting the drink will help with that.

So assuming that it's not one of the above what do you think it is, assuming it is (apart from the 3rd) what do you suggest be done about it. It's kinda frustrating coming so far just to have this happen so any input would be apreciated.

thanks guys

[ladybleu]

Improper breathing can cause stomach upset but I imagine the other factors can be involved too. Try sitting on the floor on a pillow with you back straight. Start with breathing normal then work into the meditation breathing you are trying to use. This takes time and you could be rushing it.
Blessed Be

[crazycat]

I agree with Ladybleu, being that it gets upset during the meditation would mean it has to do with the meditation itself. I would say it has to do with the way you are setting. I do most of meditation setting in my lounge chair and other than some leg pain at times it goes fairly well.

[Lena]

Hmm..I don't understand how the way you sit could cause it. If I sit improperly, it's usually my back that starts complaining. Perhaps sit on the floor on a pillow, and see if that helps any. What is your meal like before you meditate? What usually helps my stomach aches is chamomile tea. Another approach would be ask the pain what is it trying to tell you? Are you afraid of something?

[osiris]

When you sit on the bed is it cross legged? If so drop your legs of the edge and sit as if in a chair. Im no therapist but i am an emt. And if you have ulcers and there bleeding or even if they are not you could have a problem while cross legged. If you have some internal swelling from the drinking it could be pushing on the area as well. For breathing you really have to be messing up to have problems and by that i mean breathing far worse than you normally would. Usually when you are that relaxed it is very easy to breath better than usual. But if you are breathing totally wrong and you are a belly breather that may also be it. Look at the art of energy here it has a link to a great breathing technique and once you read it you will have an idea of how far off you are if any. In some extreme cases you will find that belly breathing can cause pain and has been even known to shorten life spans but its real rare that anyone naturally breaths that bad. My best guess would be three and in that case prescriptions and foods can heal up ulcers and time, diet and self healing can take care of livers and kidneys.
The last that i could think of is a physical pain from energy building. In deep states of meditation is where i have the most energy usually and man if something is blocked and not flowing it can cause pain. But i think you would know if it was that.

[ladybleu]

Besides back pain from not sitting properly if you have GERD or hiatal hernia that can cause stomach pain, especially from drinking. Sitting straight can take care of the hernia and sometimes the GERD. Otherwise medication and proper diet are the way to go. The breathing I agree with Osiris. Improper breathing can really mess with you in many ways.

[alexandra]

I have GERD, so I hear where you are coming from. It seems to me that it does seem to stem from a physical problem rather than spiritual, because it happens after you have already been sitting for a period of time. When this happens to me, I lay back against about 3 or 4 propped up pillows. That way the pressure is taken off of your stomach. At the same time, you are not lying flat, so you shouldn't fall asleep either.