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Yoga Dissertations by MSc Students

Part I: Concept of Pranayama according to texts of Yoga and Spiritual Lore.
Part II: Nostril Dominance and Anxiety State in Normal Volunteers Before and After Integrated Yoga Practices
By
Ramachandra Dey

ABSTRACT

PART -1 Concept of Pranayama according to texts of Yoga and Spiritual Lore.
Präëäyäma is the science of cleansing, balancing and gaining control over the präëa in the human system. The word präëa is a combination of two syllables, Prä and Na. Präëa is the vital life force and Präëäyäma is the process by which the internal Präëic. Store is increased. Präëäyäma is comprised of the words Präëa and Äyäma which means ‘Präëic capacity and length.’ It is not merely breath control, but a technique through which the quantity of the präëa in the body is activated to a higher frequency.
In Praçnopaniśad we find a detailed description of variñöha präëa and païca präëa. It is the variñöha präëa the eldest and the first boon of atma, that divides itself into five facts:; präëa, apäna, samäna, udäna and vyäna which  govern the different functions of the human body. Präëa çakti also manifests in six main centers or chakras which are located along the spinal column. Präëa is the vital or bio-plasmic energy, which is universal in nature and consciousness, is knowledge. Präëa, the nature principle, energy, and matter are called prakåti literally ‘activity.’ Each fibre of the body is connected with präëa by a complex system of näòés. The function of the näòés can be compared to that of an electrical system. Präëäyäma is ultimately intended for developing the quality of human consciousness, not just the mind or body.

CONCLUSIONS
Präëa, the life force and manas, the mental force, are the two fundamental factors. Every object in the universe, right from the smallest atom to the largest star, is composed of that energy. Präëa can never be motionless. The präëa is always moving, and the mind is ever-changing as well. By controlling the präëa, the mind is automatically controlled, i.e. präëa and mind exert an influence on each other. By practicing präëäyäma correctly, the mind is automatically conquered. The effects of präëäyäma are not so simple to manage. It creates extra heat in the body. It awakens some of the dormant centers in the brain.
There are various types of präëäyäma according to ancient yoga texts. They are categorized into two Schools viz. Haöhayoga School and Vasiñöha School of Yoga. Haöhayoga School emphasizes one in forceful kumbhaka. There is a risk of side-effect of practicing kumbhaka in this school if not practised correctly under expert guidance. This most important part of the präëäyäma is kumbhaka or breath retention. However, in order to perform kumbaka successfully, there must be a gradual development of control over the function of respiration. Whereas, Vasiñöha School prescribes only conscious natural retention of breathing (effortlessly) by which the mind brings to happiness. It is observed that both the schools have the same benefits.
Präëäyäma is one of the best yogic practices for spiritual growth as well as therapeutic applications. By regular practice of präëäyäma, one can be free from deadly diseases. One can slow the aging process by reducing the metabolic rate through präëäyäma. It brings balance between the näòés and helps to awaken the Kuëòaléni. One can experience highest state of consciousness when the Kuëòaléni is awakened.
The technique of präëäyäma provides the method where by the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one’s normal boundaries or limitations and to attain  higher states of consciousness. Prāëāyāma can be the most useful practice for a physical culturist. To the spiritual aspirant its importance is supreme. Prāëāyāma is a weapon that easily lends itself to abuse. In playing with Prāëāyāma, a man plays with his nerves, heart and lungs. Undue strain or imperfect methods in Prāëāyāma may damage these parts permanently, so everyone should proceed into this practice with caution and care. When this is done and when the instructions are attentively and faithfully followed, Prāëāyāma is perfectly safe. When rightly done, Prāëāyāma will never fail to ensure supreme vitality for the body and eternal peace for the mind. 

PART-II Nostril Dominance and Anxiety State in Normal Volunteers Before and After Integrated Yoga Practices
This study was conducted to assess pattern of nostril dominance and Anxiety State before and after the practice of Integrated Approach of Yoga (IAY) in 68 normal healthy volunteers. Both men and women age between 16 to 56 years. ( age mean & Standard deviation 27.13 ± 8.41). The entire subjects had undergone same daily routine from morning 5 am to 9.30 pm. Nasal Dominance was assessed by using the slide test and Anxiety test was assessed through three questionnaire, STAI – X-1, STAI – X-2, They were administered on first and 10th day of the study and they show the significant reduction of anxiety state (p<0.00) and STAI – A – STATE was given every day before and after Asana session at 5 am and 7.10 am (p<0.04).  The assessments were done for 10 days. For Anxiety State used Paired‘t’ test,Wilcoxon signed ranks test & spearman’s test and nasal dominance Chi-square test. During the course of yoga practice, nostril dominance showed a gradual shift from right to left nostril in the pre yoga condition (p<0.05).Although both nostrils showed a increase in contrast to right nostril, the change was insignificant. In post yoga condition , right nostril showed a gradual and significant increase over 10 days of yoga practice, whereas both nostrils significantly decreased (p<0.05), however ,the difference between changes in right nostril and left nostril was not significant. Although the correlation was insignificant, left nostril showed a strong trend of increase over 10 days, while both nostrils decreased.There was a significant positive correlation between after left nostril dominance and anxiety state (p<0.05). As right nostril dominance increased after asana over 10 days the anxiety state reduced which was not significant.

 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Keywords: Pranayama,Spiritual Lore,Nostril Dominance,Anxiety.