The breath energy doesn't have to come in with the air. In fact, the air coming in and out is simply a byproduct of the energy flow in the body. See which parts of the body's energy can feed the parts that feel starved.

"The whole body is involved in this quality of breath, breathing, energy flow. The body is wired in such a way that it can actually pick up energy from within itself, one part feeding another. The energy doesn't have to come in with the air. In fact, the air coming in and out is simply a byproduct of the energy flow in the body. Try holding that perception in mind and see what it does for the breathing. See which parts of the body's energy can feed the parts that feel starved. If that gets too complicated, just get back to directing your thoughts to the in-and-out breath, evaluating the in-and-out breath, and leave it at that."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "The Uses of Fear" (Meditations5)

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