(s-VAR-ah)
svara = sound, air breathed through the nostrils
Step by Step
Traditionally the five "elements" that
make up our body-mind (and the entire material universe)-earth,
water, fire, air, "ether"-are each energetically
associated with a fixed point on the linings of our
nostrils. So it's possible to influence and transform
our body-mind by channeling our breath over or away
from these points. .
This exercise is a variation of the traditional
teaching, since our two points are non-traditional
and not elementally potent, and our immediate goal
is simply to become better acquainted with our breath.
These points (two in each nostril) are the "inner
nostril" just beside the septum, and the "outer
nostril," underneath the "wing" (ala)
of the nose.
Sit comfortably and attend to your breath as it
passes in and out through your nostrils. It's likely
you'll feel a difference between the two; your inhale,
for example, is touching your right nostril near the
septum, but your left nostril below the wing.
Watch for a minute or two, then begin to channel
(or "narrow") your inhales across your inner
nostrils. Continue for a minute or two.
After breathing normally for 30 seconds, begin to
channel (or "widen") your exhales beneath
s your outer nostrils, "widening" your breath.
Again continue for a minute or two, then return to
normal breathing for 30 seconds.
Finally combine the inner and outer breaths and
breath slowly for a few minutes. You can practice
this version of Svara Yoga during Ujjayi or Kapalabhati
(on the exhale). |
