Swara yoga is an ancient tantric science that combines two Sanskrit words: "Swara," meaning the sound of one's own breath, and "yoga," signifying union. This discipline involves the systematic study of the flow of breath through the nostrils. The origins of Swara Yoga can be traced back to the ancient text called Shiva Swarodaya, a tantric scripture. The revered Yoga text, consisting of 395 sutras, provides valuable insights into the understanding of breath and its connection to self-discovery and spiritual union.

To delve into the realm of Swara Yoga, it's essential to grasp the Sanskrit term "Nadi," translating to "channel" or "pathway." This term underscores the intricate routes through which Prana, the vital life force or energy, flows within the body. According to Yoga, our body contains 72,000 Nadis, which are subtle channels responsible for carrying life force energy. These channels, though not visible physically, are as subtle as the energy they transport. Despite their significance, Nadis are not to be confused with physical nerves. Unlike nerves, these channels lack a physical manifestation in the body. In essence, if one were to dissect the body, there would be no visible physical channels. Instead, Nadis are subtle pathways that carry the life force energy throughout the body.

While modern science may at times identify Nadis as nerves serving as carriers of energy in the body, it's essential to recognize that prana, the life force, represents a more subtle aspect of our existence. It not only keeps us alive but also acts as a bridge, connecting us to both our inner selves and the higher energies that exist around us.

In our body's intricate network of 72,000 energy pathways called Nadis, three channels play a central role. These channels - Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, run along our spine, guiding the flow of life force energy through vital energy centers known as Chakras. Starting from the base of the spine and reaching up to the head, these seven chakras are key energy points. At the base of the spine lies the Mooladhara Chakra, also known as the root chakra. This is the starting point for these three Nadis, the energy pathways. These Nadis flow upward along the spine, passing through four more energy centers and plexuses in the spinal column.

One of these Nadis is Ida, which travels along the left side of the spine. It reaches a termination point right below the Ajna Chakra or the Third-Eye Chakra, located in the middle of the eyebrows, at the root of the left nostril. The energy then flows out through the left nostril.

Concurrently, Pingala courses along the right side of the spine, reaching its conclusion at the root of the right nostril. Similar to Ida, it aligns with Ajna Chakra, the sixth energy center positioned just above the nasal root and nestled between the eyebrows, from where it flows out through the right nostril.

In simpler terms, the left nostril is linked to the Ida network of Nadis, while the right nostril is associated with the Pingala network of Nadis.

Ida, associated with the left side, is often called the lunar energy channel, representing moon energy. In contrast, Pingala, connected to the right side, is the solar energy channel, symbolizing sun energy. Sushumna, also known as the Brahmnadi or "the channel of the brahman (Absolute)," flows in the center and is neutral and the most subtle, representing the perfect balance of both Nadis.

Let's explore the connection between Ida and moon energy, as well as Pingala and sun energy. Ida is linked to a sense of calmness, mirroring the soothing nature of the moon, while Pingala is invigorating, much like the energizing rays of the sun and associated with the body's fire or heat element. The alternating dominance of one nostril over the other at different times of the day indicates the varying activity of Ida and Pingala. This breath flow corresponds to the dominance of either lunar or solar energy, influencing our state of being.

Consider eating: when digesting, the fire element is active, favoring the right nostril. After digestion, when absorption occurs, the left nostril becomes more active. To observe this, place your hands under your nostrils when hungry; the right nostril is active due to the active fire element. In an optimal state, breath flow through each nostril serves a specific purpose. For instance, when the left nostril is more active, avoid intense activities; opt for calming practices like reading, meditation, or relaxation. Conversely, when the right nostril is dominant, engage in sports or physical workouts. When the body is not in its best state or is unwell, the breath flow through the nostrils may deviate from the ideal pattern, leading to the dominance of the opposite energy in terms of active nostrils.

When both nostrils exhibit a harmonious flow, signifying a balance in the ida and pingala, it denotes the activation of the Sushumna Nadi, a vital energy channel originating from the root chakra and coursing along the spine's center. Converging at the nasal root, it symbolizes the reconciliation of opposing energies, serving as a pivotal nexus for heightened consciousness and spiritual awakening across diverse yogic traditions.

In our contemporary lifestyles, achieving Sushumna Nadi activation has become challenging. However, revered yoga practitioners, such as Rishis and Gurus, use time-tested yogic methods to stimulate this channel by harmonizing the Ida and Pingala. Swara Yoga, explaining this concept, guides through yogic practices to achieve equilibrium and activate the Sushumna Nadi.

Among all Nadis, Sushumna is the most subtle. When balanced, it facilitates the prana or energy flow precisely along the spine's center through focal points known as chakras. Yogis engage in profound meditation, harnessing the activated Sushumna Nadi to attain enlightenment or elevate their kundalini energy. This ancient practice remains a conduit for spiritual ascension in the pursuit of higher states of consciousness.

In conclusion, when energies are in balance, it results in a state of stability or neutrality. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that external energies and factors are beyond our control. This recognition is highlighted by Traditional Yoga practitioners like Rishis, Gurus, and Yogis, who assert that yoga serves as a tool to balance inner energies. The ultimate goal is to achieve equilibrium and connect our energy with the higher state of consciousness. Various traditional and ancient yoga methods and practices are tailored to guide us on this journey. It's more than a swift process; it's a continuous lifestyle, a journey of balancing energies, modulating the mind, and recognizing the inherent limitations in controlling external forces.