Swara Yoga

The feeling of cosmic harmony or oneness is probably not something ordinary individuals experience on a regular basis. This, however, is one of the things that Yoga tries to evoke among its practitioners.

Taking the concept of universal union on a higher level is Swara Yoga. Translating to �sound� or �musical note,� swara also refers to the flow of air through one�s nostril. Swara yoga deals with the study of breathing in relation to the phases of the moon, time of day, and direction.

Nasal anatomy and the three swaras

In the spirit of bodily harmony, swara yoga practitioners believe that the nose acts as a cerebral switch that influences bodily activities. The concept of swara yoga revolves around the idea that the three swaras stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Keen observers of their breathing patterns will notice that one nostril always dominates while the other is relatively congested. The dominance changes or shifts every 1.5 to 2 hours, and during the transition, there is a brief period of equality between the nostrils (i.e., equal in dominance).

Pingala nadi or Surya nadi

This swara refers to the breath from the right nostril. It activates the brain�s left hemisphere which controls a person�s rational, analytical, logical, and mathematical abilities. It also controls the body�s right side.

Ida nadi or Chandra nadi

The opposite of the first swara, this refers to the breath from the left nostril. It activates the right hemisphere, responsible for more intangible activities and controls the left side of the body. Examples include creativity, artistic and musical tendencies, intuition, and psychic experiences.

The third nadi: Shushumna

This refers to the transition period when one nostril shifts in dominance. It is during this time when the left and right are balanced and represents a state of pure consciousness. This period lasts for seven to eight breaths and is the perfect time for meditation.

As nostrils influence brain activity, swara yogis believe that individuals should perform activities in accordance with the dominant nostril. For instance, when the left nostril is dominant, individuals should perform right brain activities. To complicate things further, the swaras are also associated with cosmic activity (solar for the right, lunar for the left).

From dawn to dusk

It is said that swara yoga affects all aspects of one�s life. It starts with waking up in the morning (first footstep must accord with dominant swara) and lasts throughout the day. Knowledge and control of the swaras produce more harmonized activities and thereby significantly reduces stress and improves health.

Swara yoga has its roots in ancient civilization, just before the Vedic period over ten thousand years ago. It was believed to be sacred to possess this knowledge as it was esteemed to have come from the Divine. Swara yoga was used to make predictions and served as tools to solve physical, mental, and emotional problems. This ancient practice can now be learned by this generation. Monitoring breathing sure sounds taxing, but once you manage, unwanted stress will just pass you by. Who wouldn�t work for that satisfaction?

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