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Breath and Brain Hemispheres
Modern scientific research has shown that nostrils tend to switch
dominance roughly every ninety (90) minutes throughout the day and that nostril
dominance is closely linked with cerebral (brain) dominance
.
Switching
nostril dominance at will thus becomes a convenient way of controlling brain
dominance and altering states of awareness and body states with the rhythms of
the Cosmos* interestingly, the relationship between dominance of the brain
hemispheres and nostril dominance has been noted by practitioners of Svar Yoga
for centuries – long before recent laboratory confirmation of this
phenomenon.
The Science of Breath (Svar
Yoga)
According to the ancient science of Svar Yoga (Breath
Yoga), the human body is an autonomous, self-synchronous organism, which
experiences life fully in the world of names and forms. The body has precise
mechanisms for synchronization with rhythmic cycles of the planet and cosmos.
The most important, easily regulated and effective of these mechanisms is
the nostrils. Knowledge of the play of breath in the nostrils forms the basis
of this ancient teaching. Svar Yoga, even in its native India, has been amongst
closely guarded secrets of teachings. In the last few decades, however, it has
become more known.
Several scientists have verified some
basic findings including David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa who published an artcile
entitled, "Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing:Basic Science, Clinical Trials,
and Selected Advanced Techniques" in Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine
Journal. Summary of this article states:
“This article reviews the
published basic science and clinical studies on unilateral forced nostril
breathing (UFNB), a subject of yogic breathing (pranayam) techniques that were
discovered/devised over 5,000 years ago. The relationship of UFNS to the
ultradian psychological phenomenon called the nasal cycle, a marker of
mind-body states is also reviewed. Basic science studies show how UFNB can
affect the autonomic nervous system (including cognition), and general
metabolic activities.”
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