Ekagrata, or one-pointedness, is a state of focused concentration in which the mind is centered on one object or thought. Ekagra chitta refers to a mind that is completely focused and undistracted. The benefits of ekagra chitta include improved mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, and the ability to accomplish tasks more efficiently. It can also lead to deeper spiritual practices and greater self-awareness.
Anuloma Viloma pranayama or alternate nostril breathing is a pranayama that involves breathing through one nostril and exhaling through the opposite nostril and repeating the same on the other side. It is believed to have several benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
Some of the benefits of Anuloma Viloma pranayama include:
Calming the mind: Anuloma Viloma pranayama helps to balance the flow of breath and energy in the body, which can have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system.
Reducing stress and anxiety: Regular practice of Anuloma Viloma pranayama may help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by slowing down the breath and promoting relaxation.
Improving lung function: By alternately closing and opening the nostrils while breathing, Anuloma Viloma pranayama can help to improve lung function and increase the capacity of the lungs.
Improving focus and concentration: The practice of Anuloma Viloma pranayama is believed to help improve focus and concentration by training the mind to be more present and aware during the breath.
Balancing the nervous system: Anuloma Viloma pranayama helps to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being.
Swara Yog is an ancient study of the breath flow through the nostrils. In Swara Yog the association of breath to the positions of the sun, moon, planets, time of day, seasons and the physical and mental condition of an individual is studied. Additionally observations are made of the nasal cycles and the nature of breath flowing with the left and right nostrils. It has greatly helped to understand the effect of the various factors on the body and mind and to peer into the nature of the universe.
How does this work:
The Mind uses the brain as its tool. The right and left hemispheres of the brain have highly specific functions. Breath is linked to the state of mind. For example - mental fluctuations (Chitta vrittis) are predominant when breath is flowing through the right nostril. Swara Yog teaches a person to become aware of the flow of the breath and the relation between breath and mind (the nostrils and the hemispheres) .
By watching the synchronisation of the breath through the nostrils a person can balance their state of consciousness at will. An individual perceives the outside world according to their own state of mind at that moment in time. When one lives in constant awareness the relationship between the breath and the elements becomes apparent. Subsequently the operating nostril can be changed at will thus changing glandular/ hormonal secretions and create a chemical balance.
How to use this in practice:
According to Swara Yog, at the first stage of any mental or physical disturbance itself the breath/ nostril should be changed leading to a rapid recovery from a state of imbalance. Breathing through the right nostril affects the activity of the left cerebral hemisphere and vice versa. When the left nostril/ right hemisphere is dominant the body is in a rest and relax phase. Right nostril dominance indicates increased activity. Breath coming in through the right nostril cools the right hemisphere of the brain causing the left hemisphere to become active.