The Nose Knows: A 10 Part Lesson

Letting the Breath in the Nostrils Guide Your Alignment

Its July 2010, and this is what we are playing with at Lulu Bandha's lately.

We have been tracking the nostrils for a while in Yin Yoga and Meditation, and just now the practice is starting to make its way into the more active asana classes. The focus is very centering, calming and moves us into a state of presence that can be difficult to find when following external alignment cues.

This sequence is a gentle introduction to the concept with some examples of postures that might help you get started.

There are many ways to tune into the internal alignment, this is just one of them. We will be curious about your findings and discoveries.

In this video clip, we:

• Turn our attention to the movement of the breath in the nostrils
• Practice the connection between the awareness and the movement of the breath

The Ida, the Pingala and the Nostrils

In yoga, we believe in a system of subtle anatomy made up of nadis, chakras, bandhas and granthis. Prana is the life force that flows through and with this system.

Of the rumored 72,000 nadis rumored to flow in the body, there are three that get the most attention: the ida, the pingala and the shushumna. These three nadis are believed to originate at the base of the spine, at the root chakra, the muladhara. The shushumna is said to travel up the central channel of the body through the chakras to the crown of the head. The ida is believed to travel up the left side, touching each chakra. The pingala is said to travel up the right side, touching each chakra. These three nadis meet at the flower of the ajna chakra, usually located between the eye brows. The ida and the pingala descend into the tips of the nostrils.

Shifts in awareness, alignment, and balance of weight affects the play of these energies. The breath is a bridge for us to connect to the flow of prana.

One does not need to belive in the subtle anatomy system to experience the profound connection between the mind, body, breath and prana.

A Rendering of the Shushumna, Nadis and Chakras:

A Drawing of the Nadis

Connected to Everything

Connective Tissue, Nadis, Prana

One of the latest theories, put forth by Dr. Motoyama of Japan, is that our nadis (or meridians) can be found in our bands of connective tissue. Through these currents run our life force, known as prana, or chi.

Pressing on particular points (acupressure or marma points) is belived to help encourage the flow of this vital life force.

Reflexology

The feet are believed to be connected to our entire internal organ system.

image source.

Teacher Sources

Erich Schiffmann Erich Schiffmann, my primary teacher, was the first one to give permission to follow my own internal guidance. He is masterful in his ability to gently nurture the skills and confidence necessary to make the leap into Ourselves. Erich Schiffmann is the 'Chairman of the Board' of the Ojai Yoga Crib. Practicing for over 40 years, Schiffmann is the author of one of the best modern texts on yoga, "Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness," Erich teaches around the globe. You can access more talks and video from his website as well as become a member of his warm and welcoming community. Catch him at the next Crib. Erich's Website Erich's Facebook Page

Patricia Sullivan We have all learned so much from Patricia's teaching. She shares seemingly small techniques that pry open the internal landscape for exploration. Her teaching style helps build self-reliance, trust and willingness. We aspire to be as graceful, kind and sincere as she. More Videos with Patricia Patricia's Website Patricia's Facebook Page

Doug Keller Listening to one of Doug Keller's DVDs, Rasa Sadhana: Yoga and Emotion, I was turned onto the ability of the mind to move the breath in the nostrils to affect the emotion. This led me to purchase Peter Marchand's, The Yoga of the Nine Emotions and Harish Johari's, Breath, Mind, and Consciousness. As of this video production, I have had the opportunity to study with Doug Keller three times. He is a well spring of understanding. From his site, you can access his articles, teacher training manuals, dvds and cds. He mostly teaches on the East Coast. Doug Keller's website Doug's Facebook Page

Angela Farmer Angela Farmer was the first teacher to bring my attention to breath in the nostrils and its connection to the feet at a Yoga Journal Conference in 2002. This was a magical moment for me as it provided a doorway to an infinite number of small beautiful details to pay attention to. I got to study with her a second time at a Yoga Journal Conference in 2010 and she allowed me to see how to follow the nostrils' feedback in all my postures. I have barely met her, she doesn't know my name, but I love Angela Farmer and feel so blessed to have been near her. She mostly teaches out of her studio in Greece. Angela's Website Video of Angela Teaching