Swara Yoga in India

Swara Yoga: An Introduction

This yoga is believed to have existed even before the Vedic period. Swara yoga, the name itself suggest that the yoga was performed to gain something related to the ‘swar’ or voice. This is actually a type of nasal breathing technique that signifies the uninterrupted flow of breath through our nostrils. Through the systematic breathing flow, this yoga is practised.

While performing this yoga, the flow of the breath changes periodically from one nostril to another. This helps in balancing the entire procedure as well as the body.

The rhythmic breathing flow through each nostril affects the mental and physical status of a person. Besides, it is also important to maintain the correct position while doing yoga—Swara yoga positions of three types.

Types of Swara Yoga:

Without any further delay, let us get to know the different types of Swara Yoga.

• Ida nadi or left swara

• Pingale nadi or right swara

• Sushumna or third swara

Ida Nadi or Left Swara: 

When the breath flows through the left nostril and stays in the left side of our spinal cord, we call it Left swara. This is said to represent lunar energy.

Pingale Nadi or Right Swara:

When the breathing takes place through the right nostril and stays in the right side of the spinal cord, it is called the Right swara.

Sushumna or Third Swara:

Sushumna swara indicates the central part of the spinal cord. This represents our very old ancestral God, Shiva. When breathing flows through both the nostrils simultaneously and activates both sides, it is called the Third swara.

Swara Yoga Helps in Healing-

People suffering from physical or mental stress need to practise breathing techniques to relax their minds. Swara yoga is one such way that helps in achieving this. This could be done by alternating the breathing through the dominant nostril. This helps in changing the activity side of the body and brings an overall relaxation. It also maintains the balance of the body and mind.

Benefits of Swara Yoga:

There are several benefits of practising swara yoga. Let us check some of the most popular ones.

• In yoga classes, people who suffer from chronic indigestion are often suggested to practise this yoga. To perform this yoga, one needs to eat only when the right nostril is dominant.

• People suffering from extreme stress need to lie down on their right side and breathe through their left nostrils. This should be done continuously for thirty minutes to get the best result.

• Yoga in India is practised widely, and swara yoga holds an essential position among many others. Anyone who has a mental illness or has the signs of mental illness are often suggested to control their breathing and breath through the congested nostril. This helps to reduce the illness to some extent. However, if the condition is severe, it would require proper medical attention.

Yoga Classes: 

With the increasing popularity of such yogas, people worldwide are looking out for various types of yoga classes that can be attained without much fuss. Online yoga classes are thus in much demand. Anyone can join such a class without going out. It can be attained from the comfort of their home. Therefore anyone willing to take up swara yoga seriously needs to search for a reputed trainer and join the class.