LESSON SEVEN
4. When you are lying down in bed you can change the flow by lying on the flowing side, so that the non-flowing side may be up. While lying in this way exert considerable pressure near the armpit of the side on which you lie, and the flow will then change,
The way the breath flows in a person determines their physical condition, and the converse of this is also true. That is, certain conditions brought about by external agencies, such as, food, drink, medicines, environment, etc, react upon the breathing mechanism and change the breath-flow.
Exposing yourself to sudden changes of temperature also changes the breath-flow, especially in those of lower vitality.
For immediate change of flow, you will find that the first method is by far the easiest, if the nasal passage is not obstructed with any catarrhal matter, but for permanent results make use of the last method.
If you suffer from cold, then it is not advisable to use cold water nasal douching. Before changing the flow by method one, it will be good to clear the obstructed nostril by introducing the little finger carefully as far as it goes. Then blow the nose vigorously once or twice.
Another method is to inhale a deep breath and close both nostrils tightly. Then concentrate the air inhaled in the upper part of the lungs, the windpipe, and in the nasal passage, by drawing in the diaphragm and by a contraction of the throat. Hold the breath as long as you can, then release it. Practice this four times. This helps to open up the obstructed nostril, especially when you suffer from cold,
Sometimes it happens that a fleshy growth or malformation of the nasal passage prevents the normal flow of breath. In such a case consult a good surgeon.
All heating foods have a tendency to increase the temperature of the body. This sometimes causes an increased flow of the right nostril. Liquor like brandy, whisky, wine, has a tendency to cause the right nostril to flow, and hence their effect upon digestion.
Cooling foods on the other hand are comparatively indigestible and they have a tendency to cause the left nostril to flow.
The heating foods include such things as: Beer, cocoa, coffee, honey, cod liver oil, every kind of liquor, condensed milk, salt or tinned fish, and meat, etc. These have the tendency to increase the internal heat of the body.
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LESSON SEVEN
Review Questions
1. What is the vital force of the Universe!
2. What is the method of controlling this forcel
3. How do Yogis secure this control?
4. What is the fly-wheel of the human machine!
5. What are the four methods of breathing!
6. What does the Yoga method include!
7. What \s the next step in the science of Breath Control!
8. When complete mastery over this rhythm has been obtained, what can be accomplished?
9. What does the way the breath flows determine!
10. What is the result of training the Will by Pranayama!