Pran and Pranayam

SR No.: 009371
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

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breath in the opposite nostril is enhanced. They utilized this principle during meditation practices to maintain a balance between the two nostrils, equalizing the flows of ida and pingala nadis, so that sushumna remains open and successful meditation continues.
For the average person, the brain functions in a balanced, equalized manner only for a few minutes every one and a half hours when the breathing cycle reverses. However, proper use of the yoga danda as well other yogic practices, including pranayama, induce an ongoing balance of both nostrils, enabling yogis who follow this path to maintain longer periods of sushumna flow. In this way meditative awareness may be experienced for hours or days at a time.
Nasal cycles and brain hemispheres The dual nature of the human psycho-physiological framework is reflected in the very physical structure of man's brain and central nervous system. Neuro-physiological and psychological research studies have demonstrated that the two hemispheres of the brain are actually responsible for different abilities and characteristic modes of expression of human individuality.
The right hemisphere, corresponding to the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for the spatial, artistic, holistic, intuitive and psychic side of perception, which are ida nadi functions. The left hemisphere is responsible for the logical, rational and analytical faculties and sequential and linear modes of thought, which are pingala nadi functions.
The left side of the brain, corresponding to the sympathetic nervous system, has centres for verbal communication: hearing, reading, talking and writing. Formal education takes place more through verbal communication than non-verbal. Hence the left cerebral lobe is referred to as the dominant lobe. The left lobe has the male qualities of competitiveness, selfishness, aggression; while the right cerebral lobe is endowed with the feminine qualities of love, compassion and nurturing.
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