Another intriguing part of breathing is the fact that we have two nostrils.

Have
you ever wondered why this is so? After all, isn’t one nostril enough to take
the air in? So, what was the need for the intervening septum dividing the
nostrils into two? Indeed, there is a reason and a vital one too. The reasons
are much deeper than of basic cosmetic design alone. You may not be aware
that whilst breathing, only one nostril is active at any given time. At any point
in time, either the right or left nostril, works actively whilst the other nostril
has a very subtle airflow. Test it out now if you wish. Place a finger half an inch
below the left nostril for a few seconds and then under the right. You will
know which one is working at this moment. Amazing, isn't it?

Furthermore, the active nostril changes at regular intervals

(approximately every one and a half hours) and for a short period of time both
nostrils come into play together (a period called the sandhikaal) which lasts for
ten to twelve breaths.
As per the ancient scripture of Swar Yoga, there are three subtle, intangible
channels in the human body, viz. Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The right nostril
flow is called Pingala, the channel of solar energy whereas the left nostril flow
is called Ida, the channel of lunar energy. When both the nostrils have an
equal flow, then for a very short time the central channel, which is called
Sushumna, awakens or opens up.

Influencing these subtle channels or nadis is the key principle of Swar Yoga.
The dominance of each nostril during breathing changes regularly. By inhaling
attentively through the nose, one can find out which nostril is dominant at a
particular time. The central channel Sushumna usually opens only for a short
time when the transition from one nostril to the other takes place, and also at
dawn and dusk. The periodic alternation of the nostrils balances the entire
system. Ensuring that this balance is not disturbed, is the basic objective of
Swar Yoga.

Each nostril flow influences the body chemistry. According to Swar Yoga, the
right nostril being solar or heating in character increases acidic secretions; the
left nostril being lunar or cooling, increases alkaline secretions. When both
nostrils operate simultaneously, it creates the right conditions to withdraw
from worldly activities and meditate. Both subtle channels are connected to
the opposite sides of the cerebral hemispheres. The nose is in direct contact
with the hypothalamus by its link with the olfactory lobe of the brain.

The hypothalamus is a part of the limbic system associated with emotions and
motivation. Neuro-motor responses influence the hemispheres of the brain
and the primary activity of the brain, which is biochemical. Neurotransmitters
are the brain's chemical messengers - they influence all bodily functions.
Breathing through the left nostril influences the cortical activity on the right
side of the brain more than the left and vice-versa. The twin hemispheres of
the brain have highly specialized functions. The right hemisphere, stimulated
by left nostril dominance; has more to do with feminine, lunar, emotional,
visual and more peaceful activities. The left hemisphere stimulated by right
nostril dominance; has more to do with masculine, solar, rational, verbal and
more energetic activities.
One of the practices in Swar Yoga is to check whether dominance of the
nostrils is in accordance with the planetary cycles and if necessary to correct it
accordingly. This prevents psychological and physical problems. It is especially
important to do this every day at sunrise so that the day starts on a
harmonious note with the planetary energy of that day. Our ancient yogis
knew all this and much more. They knew the intimate connection between
breath and mind. For example, when your mind is angry, watch your breath - it
will be disturbed. And similarly, when your mind is calm, you will find that your
breath will be gentle and the left nostril will be active. Swar Yoga advises
changing the dominant nostril at the first sign of any physical or mental
disturbance. Thus, the active side of the body is changed and glandular
secretions re-establish the balance.

For example, during episodes of fever, one should plug the dominant nostril
with a cotton ball and keep it plugged until body temperature comes to
normal. Cultivating the habit of eating only when the right nostril is dominant
can cure chronic indigestion. Lying on the right side and breathing through the
left nostril for 25 to 30 minutes can reduce stress created by hard work. The
techniques of Swar Yoga have been tried and time tested by our yogis. But as
for everything else, this needs to be learnt from an adept practitioner.

But by far, the most powerful application of Swar Yoga is in influencing the
mind. As the mind is very subtle and nearly impossible to grasp, our yogis
figured out how to use the connection between breath and mind. By
controlling the breath, they were indirectly able to influence the mind. Swar
Yoga can be practised by one and all but before you go deeper into it, you
have to know the basics of pranayama. Consistent practise of pranayama will
show you the calming effect it has on the mind. Indeed, it is a very important
tool in internalising the outward driven mind.

Mind’s connection with the outside world is through the five senses; through
them the mind travels outwards. There are nine outlets in the human body:
eyes, ears, nostrils, tongue, genitals and the anus. When the mind travels
outwards, it goes through these doors. Through the eyes you see, through the
ears one hears, through the nose one smells, through the tongue one tastes,
through the genitals sexual activity takes place and through the anus, waste
matter is eliminated. These nine doors take the mind to an objective
interaction with the world.

Yogis have said that there is a tenth door too and the one who has found that
can reach out to divinity - to God. There is a lot of speculation and many
conjectures are offered on this subject; people wonder where exactly it is
situated in the body. You are aware only of the nine doorways in the body;
when these open, the mind proceeds outwards on the worldly path and seeks
pleasure in the sensory world. The mind has become a slave to sensory
experiences, it gets tied to the objects that give pleasure.

The eyes seek beautiful scenery, the ears seek pleasing sounds and the tongue
seeks culinary delights. Everyone seeks happiness, but do people really get
happiness from this world? No, they actually end up experiencing fleeting
pleasures. But how many people realise the difference between pleasure and
happiness?! All worldly pursuits are for the gratification of the senses. But the
strange thing is that the more pleasure you enjoy, the more the mind hungers
for. It is said in the Upanishads that just as you cannot put out a fire by adding
oil to it, similarly you cannot get happiness by feeding your senses. But man
does not understand this, so the race for pleasing the senses never ends. In old
age, a diseased body may get weaker but the mind gets stronger. Objects may
be limited but desires are infinite. Sometimes, on listening to religious
lectures, a man tries to overpower his desires. But in this wrestling match,
desire is invariably the winner. One may not want to indulge in sensual
pleasures, yet the desire to seek pleasure defeats the weak mind.

There is an unending battle waging in the human mind - especially the

religious mind which fears hell and lusts for heaven. When one is unable to
control lust, guilt takes over; almost all religious people live with the fear of
losing out to the mind and its weaknesses. Human beings usually live and die
caught up in this struggle. It is only through real understanding and a taste of
inner bliss that a person can move towards the tenth door. Appropriate
guidance and sincere efforts are the sole means by which a person can
manage to close these doorways and turn the senses inwards.