i’m still working on a related pose that involves bringing my feet down to the floor (like folding myself in half). i always panic halfway there like i’m gonna break my neck or something.

There are 72,000 nadis of which 72 are vital, and of those, three are central in the practice of KY; The Ida, Pingala and sushmuna.

The Ida is the nadi that ends at the left nostril. It brings in cooling, soothing, mind expanding energy of the moon.

The Pingala is the nadi which ends at the right nostril and brings in the stimulating, energizing, heating energy of the sun.

While she sushmuna or the central nadi is the channel through which the Kundalini, or creative energy ascends.

The sushmana originates from the base of the spine where the three nadis meet. It travels up the center of the spine to the top of the head. This is referred to as the 7th chakra or the tenth gate, also the physical location of the pineal gland where hormones are produced which regulate sex and thyroid hormones and affect brain activity. Energetically this 7th chakra is associated with awakening perception and has a key characteristic of surrender. This is thought to be a large part of the reason so many faiths practice the act of bowing. It focuses blood flow and circulation of prana at the 7th chakra and a person is given a renewed sense of openness, humility and inner strength.

It seems then that one could conclude that if we were able to control the flow of Prana through a particular nostril and ultimately balance the flow, we could, as a result, command the complete energy of our physical, mental and emotional bodies as well.

So, as you noted (I think) the left nostril corresponds to the moon energy, which is the resting, calming energy capacity. Scientifically speaking, breathing through the left nostril activates the parasympathetic nervous system bringing calm, clarity and grace to the practitioner. Taking cold showers also has this same effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. I have experienced this as well as read numerous accounts of how it helps with stress levels and aids in balancing states of depression.

I will pull together some info and references for you to peruse. It is a fascinating study and even more amazing in practice as you see the benefits.

(sometimes you make my head spin. but that’s good i suppose)

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Does your school of yoga provide you with an “almanac” of what does when in the body? i.e., here’s the general sequence, variable by time of day and season of year – and within this circadian flow – here are recommended ideal times for practice, training, etc?

Are you familiar with any such treatises arising out of traditional systems of body work, whether vedantic, ayurvedic, taoist, or other – and could you recommend any to which one might confidently refer?

you’re such an inspiration to me. Thank you.

You will be greatful every day of your life that you gave yourself the gift of mindfulness starting with awareness of your breath. It makes Being on this planet, in these bodies so much more peaceful.

Keep me posted on how the course is going.