Healing Via Ida and Pingla breathing - Tantric way
Our body is defined by Charaka as the conglomeration of the five Mahabhuta with Chetana (Consciousness).
This Chetana/Consciousness expresses itself inside us in the form of Prana/Life.
This Prana flows through the body by means of numerous channels/structures called as Nadi
Sushumna forms the central Nadi of the body.
Sushumna arises at the base of the Merudanda/vertebral column and travels upwards passing through numerous Chakra/energy centers
Among the thousands of Nadis, Ida and Pingala are the most important.
Ida is dominant on the left side of the body and Pingala on the right side.
Nasal Breathing through left nostril is Ida breathing and Pingala breathing is through the right nostril.
Since many physiological functions such as heart rate, oxygenation of the blood etc. are directly related to the respiration, the control of breathing can directly influence these functions.
Ida and Pingla Nadi unite with Sushumna at the Ajna Chakra, at the center of forehead.
Left nostril breathing activates Ida and right nostril breathing activates Pingala.
Right nostril dominance is related to activity phase.
Left nostril breathing is related to rest phase.
The process of actively controlling the alternating nasal cycle is therapeutically termed as Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing (UFNB).
It is a therapeutic practice- the process of continuous, regularity of inhalation, holding of breath and exhalation through one single nostril.
UFNB improves cognitive functions and even cure migraine, angina pectoris, increased blood pressure and even psychiatric conditions – OCD
Breathing through the right nostrils several times a day, for a month can significantly increase baseline oxygen consumption by 37%.
Breathing through left nostril alone produces smaller increase increase baseline oxygen consumption.
Right nostril breathing increases metabolism.
Left nostril breathing reduces mental stress and increases galvanic skin resistance which is suggestive of reduced sympathetic tone to the palmar sweat glands and cutaneous blood vessels.
