Swara yoga in India

Swara Yoga – Science of Breathing

Are you aware of the correct postures in meditation? How to react positively while addressing an eminent dignitary? How to be in a rhythmic mood with the whole universe? All your answer lies in the term “breath”.

Swara yoga is responsible to get in tune with the lunar and planter cycles. It is a form of yoga that describes the relationship of breath with the sun, moon and the five elements which help you to change your mood, includes healing treatments and be familiar to the idea of cosmic rhythm. This fact was kept secret since the Vedic period and shared with some of the kings and dedicated spiritual seekers by the guru shishya parampara.

It is an ancient science that helps you to boost your potential by breathing. Literally, Swara in Sanskrit means sound or any musical note. It also refers to the air which flows through your nostril.

Swara yoga looks like a “pranayama” as it is related with breathing but it is not the entire tale. Usual “Pranayama” includes breathing by inhaling, retaining and exhaling air. But Swara yoga involves the breathing exercises go a couple of steps higher than normal breathing. It includes all your daily chores right from the time when you wake up from your bed. This means bathing, working, eating, socializing and sleeping. It guides you to understand the subtle relationship of the entire universe. For instance, knowing the phase of moon and checking your nostril before getting out of the bed and allowing your foot to be the first one to touch the ground, is one of the most common practice that supports you with the positive flow of energy that ensures good luck and happiness on that day.

1. Each nostril functions independently in Swara yoga and it has an impact on the body chemistry.
2. The right nostril is connected with pingala nadi (subtle nerves) and is responsible for increasing the acidic secretions.
3. The left nostril is associated with the Ida nadi (Subtle nerves) and increase the alkaline secretion.
4. Both the nostrils are connected with the opposite sides of cerebral hemisphere as well as olfactory lobe. The nose connects directly with the hypothalamus by its link with the olfactory lobe of the brain.

Hypothalamus is known to be a part of the limbic system which imparts emotions and motivation. Nose is the main switch of cerebral hemispheres. It has the power to motivate electromagnetic activity on one side of your body and control the hemispheric activity.

Shiva Svarodaya is one of the most ancient scripture which describes Swara yoga. It also contains 395 sutras which mainly focus on the practical aspects which can be easily understood and practiced by a modern man. A scheduled practice of Swara yoga helps to change your unwanted stress and develops positive attitude towards life by increasing your awareness.

Swara Yoga practice helps us to change unwanted physical, mental or emotional states at will, create favorable conditions for one’s life by changing the internal environment thus improving one’s attitude towards life through increased awareness.

Read about different other forms of Yoga popular in India >>