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The link between Breath and Nervous System – Foundation of Pranayama

The link between Breath and Nervous System – Foundation of Pranayama

In this post, we will discuss the link between the breath and mind – which forms the foundation of Pranayama, the fourth limb of Ashtang Yoga (Ashtang means 8 limbs in Sanskrit) as formulated by the Lord Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra. There are different schools of thought in defining the mind. According to Yogic texts, the mind is the awareness of consciousness. The consciousness is itself is an unexplored subject when it comes to neuroscience. Hence, for simplicity, we…

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Yoga Stimulates Vagus Nerve to Induce Relaxation Response – a key to Emotional Health

Yoga Stimulates Vagus Nerve to Induce Relaxation Response – a key to Emotional Health

Vagus Nerve is the largest cranial nerve in the body. It starts at the base of the skull and runs throughout the whole body. It plays a central role in your emotional and physical health. It directly influences the nervous system – particularly the Parasympathetic branch of the Autonomic Nervous System (covered in a previous post). Our breath, heart rate, and digestion — as well as our overall ability to experience the world (particular how to handle the stress in…

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Neuroscience Evidence of Pranayama – Influence of Breath over Mind

Neuroscience Evidence of Pranayama – Influence of Breath over Mind

Neuroscience is now discovering what Yogic science has known for many millennia – the influence of breath over the mind. Verse 29 in Chapter 4 of ancient yogic text called “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” says: इन्द्रियाणां मनो नाथो मनोनाथस्तु मारुतः । मारुतस्य लयो नाथः स लयो नादमाश्रितः हठयोग प्रदीपिका (अध्याय ४, श्लोक २९) Indriyānām mano nātho manonāthastu mārutahMārutasya layo nāthah sa layo nādamāśritah Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 4, Verse 29) The meaning of the verse goes like this – “The Mind (मन) is…

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