Quote:


Wishmeluck, if you are using the AS contraction countermeasure, your effort should be substantial, but definitely submaximal. Do it gradually.  When you peak the effort should be fairly strong, but somewhat short of "to the max."  A small amount of effort goes a long way here...

Don't get too hung up in the details.  Stop slightly short of maximal effort and things should be fine.  Furthermore, be sure to contract only your AS muscle and not surrounding muscle groups like your glutes.  Practice by placing a flat hand between yourself and a chair.  If doing it properly, you should not feel the surrounding muscle groups tighten up.

wishmeluck,

Application of any of the breathing countermeasures described in Chapter 4 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector  or of the anal sphincter contraction may begin either as soon as you unambiguously recognize a question to be a "control" question or after the question is finished.

Note well that none of the breathing countermeasures involve taking a deep breath. Where did you get the notion that you should take two deep breaths before resuming your baseline breathing pattern?