The Science of Pranayama

"The breath is a very important link to that which is beyond...The breath is the link between me, between you and that from where the breath comes...Therefore, when you understand and become aware of your breathing, aware under all circumstances, not just when you sit down, you will notice then that your mind becomes settled and goes deeper and deeper into the inner layers."

- Sri M 

Breath, Prana, Mind and Brain Connection

Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice of consciously regulating the breath in various ways to harness prana (life force) and thereby, regulate the mind. Sri M frequently mentions that conscious breathwork may also directly modulate brain activation, thereby shifting nervous system states and potentially rewiring neural pathways for profound physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. 

There is, thus, an indelible connection between our breath and mind. For instance, an excellent yogic technique that can balance the breath, prana as well as the mind is Anulom Vilom/Nadi Shodhana (subtle energy clearing) or alternate nostril breathing. 

Let’s delve into the science behind this simple yogic practice.

According to yogic anatomy, there are innumerable non-physical, energetic channels called nadis in the human body, of which the main nadis are considered to be the left (Ida), the right (Pingala) and the central channel (Sushumna). Both Ida and Pingala are thought to start from the base of the spine, crisscrossing each other at major energetic centres or ‘chakras’ along the Sushumna, to ultimately meet at the Ajna centre, which spatially coincides with the brain’s pineal gland. The Ida and Pingala may be activated by focused left and right nostril breathing, respectively.

Upon practicing Anulom vilom, yogis have postulated that prana flows through both left and right nadis in an equanimous and balanced way, consequently relaxing and calming the mind, perhaps through vagus nerve activation as well as balancing of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. 

Over and beyond this obvious physiological benefit, yogis also suggest that the left nostril’s breath (Ida) may be connected to the right brain and the right nostril’s breath (Pingala) may be connected to the left brain. It may thus be plausible that by focused breathing through either nostril, the corresponding, opposite brain hemisphere is activated. For example, focused left nostril breathing may activate one’s intuition, musical sense (i.e., sense of scale and composition) and creativity - functions typically associated with the right brain. Likewise, focused right nostril breathing may be beneficial for spatial calculations, mathematics, language, or lyrics – functions typically associated with the left brain. Hence, it may be possible to modulate one’s brain function as per need.

Advanced yogis are known to use Anulom Vilom and other techniques to perhaps activate either brain hemisphere, depending on need. For instance, a yogi may be able to specifically activate the right, intuitive brain, and deactivate the left brain, which is responsible for spatial calculations. Thus, the yogi may see everything around him - the tree, plant, or bird – as his own self, because he cannot spatially differentiate himself from them. 

Gateway to Higher consciousness

Through experiential knowledge, yogis also found that both nostrils may not work together at the same rate at all times. Either side may be alternately dominant. It is traditionally described that roughly every 30-40 minutes, the dominant left breath shifts to the right nostril, and then, switches back to left nostril dominance. When this happens, for a few minutes, the breath, and thereby the prana, may flow equally through both nadis.

According to the yogi, when the pranic flow is equal, it may start flowing better in the Sushumna. Sustained activation of the Sushumna may lead to activation of different brain centres, especially those that may allow a practitioner to ascend their consciousness beyond ordinary everyday functioning.

Thus, a simple practice of Anulom Vilom may potentially serve as a gateway to higher states of consciousness.

"Through yoga - using the mind - one can activate these centers in the brain which have been inactive for a long time."

– Sri M

IYRF Research

At IYRF, an ongoing experimental study allows researchers to measure both left and right brain activities, as well as other physiological changes that occur while a practitioner is practicing Anulom Vilom and other breath altering pranayamas. Studies such as these at IYRF aim to open pathways to deeper understanding of ancient yogic practices as well as elucidate their therapeutic potential.

The IYRF is dedicated to bringing together ancient wisdom and spiritual practices with modern neuroscience. If you are a researcher interested in this area of inquiry, or an interested volunteer, contact https://www.iyrf.in/home.html

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