Page Text
________________
broom-like movement, sweeping the mucus backwards towards the pharynx.
The inhaled air is humidified by the lachrymal fluid, which is formed by the glands in the eyes and flows continually to the nose through the naso-lacrymal duct. When the lachrymal fluid is in excess, as in crying, infection or irritation of the eyes, it comes out of the eyes as tears. Otherwise, it flows into the nose continuously to humidify the inhaled air. About one litre of this fluid is formed each day. There are blood sinusoids in the mucous membrane of the nose, which warm the inhaled air and condition it to the temperature of the body. There are cavities in the bones of the face, known as para-nasal sinuses, which are connected to the nose. The inhaled air enters these cavities, forming currents, and causing the dust in it to settle down.
This is the 'air-conditioning' function of the nose - purifying, warming and humidifying the inhaled air. Without this initial air-conditioning, the lungs would become dry, clogged with dust, and susceptible to disease. In a temperate climate the estimated energy expenditure to condition inhaled air is equivalent to about one sixth of a person's daily energy output; however, about 30 to 40 percent of this energy is recovered by exhaling through the nose. Higher efficiencies of heat and moisture recovery occur in cold and/or dry environments. It has also been hypothesized that nasal respiration plays an important role in controlling brain temperature, which may have important implications for brain functioning and psychological states.
Link with mooladhara In yogic philosophy, the nose and the sense of smell are linked via the nadis with mooladhara chakra, the seat of primal instincts, sexual drive, and the abode of kundalini. Dr Sigmund Freud and other investigators have observed a close relationship between the state of the nasal mucous lining and the genital and reproductive function. Other observations have linked general physical and mental health
96
| SR No. | 009371 |
| Book Title | Pran and Pranayam |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Niranjananand Saraswati Swami |
| Publisher | Yoga Publication Trust |
| Publication Year | 2009 |
| Total Pages | 369 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 11 MB |