Shivaswaroday An Ancient Indian Science: A Study of Nasal or Nostril Cycles and Its Applications

Shivaswaroday Shastra also known as Nadi Shastra is an ancient Indian science that deals with the power of breath that correlates the breath with Sun, Moon and Five elements viz Space (Aakash), air (vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Aap) and Earth (Prithvi) mentioned in Indian Yogic science. We inhale and exhale involuntarily and the process is governed by the autonomous nervous system. In our bodies, the right and left nostril do not function simultaneously. When consciously observed, it is noticed that the nasal/nostril cycle has a rhythm of congestion and decongestion with a quasiperiodic of 60 to 90 minutes duration. It means that if you observe your breath then you will notice that at a given time, any one nostril is more dominant and the other one relatively congested. This cycle of congestion and decongestion alternates and keeps changing every couple of hours. Also, during the transition period of this cycle, both nostrils may equally be dominant for a few minutes. In this article, we are trying to introduce the basics of this Nasal cycle and understanding its role in our life.