Lateralization of brain functions
in Swara Yoga
Swara Yoga is the occurrence of alternate nostril dominance in breathing that all of us go through in a day. At any time, normally, either the left nostril or the right nostril is dominant; in other words, one nostril is blocked and the other is open and facilitates breathing. After some time, say between 90 minutes and 120 minutes, the dominance switches; the second nostril takes over and the nostril that was active will be blocked. This happens due to changes in blood flow in the nostril; the more the blood flow in one side of the body, the nostril on that side is blocked, since the erectile tissue on that side expand to block air flow through that nostril! Though the blood flow and biochemistry are slightly different in both sides of the body, presently it is thought to be clinically inconsequential. To summarize, a vasoconstriction in one nasal turbinate is paralleled by vasodilation in the other nostril. The nasal mucosa are densely innervated with autonomic fibers and the dominance of sympathetic activity on one side produces vasoconstriction in the turbinates, while the contralateral nostril exhibits a simultaneous dominance of parasympathetic activity that causes swelling [1]. “Shiva Swarodaya, a classical yogic text describes the ultradian nasal cycle as Swarodaya Vigyan and highlights differential effects of its phases that reflect the lunar cycles” [2].
Swara Yoga is the occurrence of alternate nostril dominance in breathing that all of us go through in a day. At any time, normally, either the left nostril or the right nostril is dominant; in other words, one nostril is blocked and the other is open and facilitates breathing. After some time, say between 90 minutes and 120 minutes, the dominance switches; the second nostril takes over and the nostril that was active will be blocked. This happens due to changes in blood flow in the nostril; the more the blood flow in one side of the body, the nostril on that side is blocked, since the erectile tissue on that side expand to block air flow through that nostril! Though the blood flow and biochemistry are slightly different in both sides of the body, presently it is thought to be clinically inconsequential. To summarize, a vasoconstriction in one nasal turbinate is paralleled by vasodilation in the other nostril. The nasal mucosa are densely innervated with autonomic fibers and the dominance of sympathetic activity on one side produces vasoconstriction in the turbinates, while the contralateral nostril exhibits a simultaneous dominance of parasympathetic activity that causes swelling [1]. “Shiva Swarodaya, a classical yogic text describes the ultradian nasal cycle as Swarodaya Vigyan and highlights differential effects of its phases that reflect the lunar cycles” [2].
Though some studies [1-3] investigate the
dynamics of breathing at gross and subtle
levels, its application in clinical medicine is very
limited. Many unilateral problems could be
related to improper functioning of nasal rhythm
[4, 5]. Many psychiatric disorders, autism,
stress related disorders etc could be studied for
management through introduction of unilateral
breathing. In a study, cases of glaucoma were
found to have improper nasal rhythm [4]. In
such cases, left hemisphere of the brain was
activated through right nostril breathing which
seems to decrease intra-ocular pressure. If
this could be substantiated in well controlled
experiments, it is a boon to our patients. Since
India has the highest number of adult blind, this
simple procedure could help immensely in rural
areas.
Another report looked at ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder) wherein forced nostril breathing through non-dominant nostril produced increased arousal in the individual reducing ADHD symptoms [5]. This case study should be studied extensively for proper clinical application. Thus, study of Swara Yoga and its physiology could open new doors of physiology and treatment methods.
Another report looked at ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder) wherein forced nostril breathing through non-dominant nostril produced increased arousal in the individual reducing ADHD symptoms [5]. This case study should be studied extensively for proper clinical application. Thus, study of Swara Yoga and its physiology could open new doors of physiology and treatment methods.
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