WHY DO I ASK YOGA STUDENTS TO TURN TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND LAY DOWN QUIETLY FOR A FEW MINUTES….
I explained this many times to my students, but I decided to write about it.
In Yoga tradition we believe that through yoga practice we gain a better control of the fluctuation of consciousness. We aim to have a relaxed, calm and reflective mind, we are on the path to spiritual awakening…
According to the science of Ayurveda there are 72000 channels (Nadis) which channel prana throughout the body. There are 3 main channels: Pingala (Solar channel), Ida (Lunar channel) and Sashumna (Fire or Air channel). Two of the channels Pingala ( Sun, yang, male qualities) and Ida (Moon, Yin, female qualities) exist in relation to right and left nostrils.
During the cycle of the day one nostril tends to be wider and work with more force than the other nostril….and vice versa. This pattern of nostril dominance changes every 90 minutes on average throughout the day. It is believed that during the sunrise and sunset and during meditation both of our nostrils work with equal force.
When we sleep or lay on the left side we hamper the function of the left nostrils and stimulate activity of right nostril (solar channel) which subsequently increases appetite for sensual pleasures and stimulates mental activities.
And the opposite happens when we sleep or lay on the right side….we decrease the breathing force of the right nostril and increase activity in the left nostril. Allowing for a stronger force of Lunar channel to take place. This results in cooling, calming, relaxing and nurturing body and mind.
