Part I: Concept of Bhastrika Pranayama with Special Emphasis according to Yoga Spiritual Texts. Part II: Changes in Nasal Dominance at Sunrise and Sunset in Children Undergoing Intensive Yoga Training.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the changes in nostril dominance in 414 school children (age 9 to 12 years) during an intensive residential yoga training program. Subjects were randomly allocated to three equal groups (n=138) after stratifying for sex. Each group was assigned to one of three integrated yoga modules, which are specially designed to improve physical stamina (PS), intelligence (IQ) and creativity (CV). All three groups underwent their respective yoga training intensively for 8 days. Nostril dominance was assessed at sunrise and sunset on all days 8 days of training using the slide method. Analysis was done by means of chi-square test. Results showed that the nostril dominance of all three groups significantly shifted from left or right nostril to both nostrils at both sunrise and sunset. There was no significant difference between boys and girls in the pattern of shift in nostril dominance. Correlation analysis of frequency data of nostril dominance from 1st day to 8th day indicated significant negative correlation’s between right or left and both nostril dominance patterns. These findings from the present study suggest that intensive yoga training for 8 days may improve nasal balance and hence autonomic balance.