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| Swara Chikitsa |
Swara is a Sanskrit word which means continuous sound or note. It is the science (involuntary process) of a continuous flow of air/breath through one nostril, the prana, its rhythms, the movements and patterns. Yoga, a part of the ancient Indian system of healing, and Ayurveda, has described this phenomenon in great detail, under Swara Chikitsa. Yoga means union, so Swara yoga is a systematic study of science which is the realization of cosmic consciousness through control and manipulation of breath, in relation to the prevailing phases of the moon, time of day and direction. Normal breathing is a mechanical function performed by the physical body but in Swara yoga this process can be controlled and manipulated.
The 3 Main Swara
1. Ida Nadi or Left Nostril Breathing or Lunar Swara (Nadi is flow of pranic energy in body):
It is located on the left side of the Spinal cord & connected to the right hemisphere of the brain
This Swara represents Moon / female Shakti (Energy) principle
This is mainly associated with the mental activities, Parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation and rejuvenation).
It is recommended that when the left nostril breathing is active, you need to be relaxed and take to semi-solid or liquid diet.
2. Pingala Nadi or Right Nostril Breathing or Solar Swara:
This is located on the right side of spinal Cord & connected to the left hemisphere of the brain
The right Swara represents Sun / Male Shiva (consciousness) principle
It is associated with Pranic activities (Physical activities), Sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response / stress response).
As the right nostril breathing provides warmth to the body, taking of food when this is active is regarded to be beneficial for digestion.
All the activities that involve strenuous work may be undertaken during breathing with the right swara.
3. Sushumna Nadi or the Third Swara:
This is located on the center of the spinal cord. It represents “Shiva” (pure consciousness) in the state of “So-Ham”. This particular Nadi is active when Left & right Swara flows together.
Meditation is recommended if the third Swara is active.
Ayurveda Interpretation of Swara
Ayurveda strongly believes that there is subtle communication of the five basic elements or the building blocks viz. ether, air, fire, water and earth with human consciousness and state of wellbeing.
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When there is sensation of air touching the inner margins of the nostrils, this is related to the earth element and thus generates the emotion of being grounded and stable.
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While breathing, when air brushes more against sides of the nostrils, the water element is believed to be activated and this further corresponds with the emotions of love and compassion.
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Whereas, the breath is touching the tip of the nostrils is the gameplay of the fire element which causes emotions of irritation and criticism.
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When the breathing corresponds to outside of the nostrils, this actives the air element which shows erratic and fluctuating mind-set.
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When breathing comes onto the central axis and does not touch the nostril walls, this indicates prominence of the ether element, which signifies peace and serenity.
Managing the Swara
Although the swara or breathing changes spontaneously and naturally in about 90 minutes, readjustment of Swara can be performed by the following ways –
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Close the active nostril with finger or cotton wool
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Inhale through active nostril & exhale through the inactive nostril.
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Lie down on the same side of the active nostril
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Cold bath or hot water changes the Swara
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Pranayama or the deep breathing techniques provide substantial assistance in altering the breathing pattern.
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Swara can be converted by the food consumed like, Chilli, ginger – Right Swara & Yogurt, bananas – Left Swara
Benefits of Swara Chikitsa
The right understanding of Swara can be of immense help to regulate the body temperature. By the virtue of this, there is less feeling of warmth during the hot summers and similarly the winter cool becomes bearable.
Swara Chikitsa can be useful in curing common cold where the left Swara dominates which indicates cold. One can change this dominating left swara to right swara and cure the common cold and many other diseases.
Also in the person suffering from either acidity or fever, the right swara dominates as right swara is hot in nature. Shifting this to the left nostril breathing or swara helps.
Eventually it is believed that whatever the disease is being experienced by an individual, alternating the swara from right to left or vice versa can help to relieve the symptoms and associated distress.
As for preventive healthcare, it is believed that breathing through the left nostril during the day time and the right swara during the night helps to maintain general wellbeing of an individual.
Swara and Research
Scientific research indicates that to achieve the substantial changes in the body and mind using the techniques of swara yoga. Basic research studies directed the attention to probable mechanisms that connect the nasal breathing cycle and pranayama techniques with the limbic system and further on to the higher brain structures in the cortex. The possible therapeutic methods have been analysed and found significant in the management of various disorders in the fields of medicine such as, psychiatry, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, ophthalmology etc. So far, autism, epilepsy, compulsive-obsessive disorder, high and low blood pressure and glaucoma have been shown to benefit from chandra bheda, surya bheda and nadi shodhana pranayamas.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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