Scigolf Guest Columnist - D.J. Hazledine.

BREATHING AND THE BRAIN By
D. J. Hazledine, Jr., PD
Part 2 of 6
D.J. Hazledine
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information.

The mind and body have ultradian rhythms (short cycles of one to three hours) That are involved in several metabolic and perceptual systems. Hemisphere dominance is affected ;by these rhythms. Hemisphere activity cycles through periods lasting from one to three hours On average hemisphere dominance shifts from right to left and back again approximately ten times every 24 hours.

The left hemisphere is involved in linear (step by step) types of processes i.e. rational, logical processes; some verbal and mathematical functions and linear time. The right hemisphere is preferD90000 for more global functions i.e. intuition, imagery, fantasy, spatial and holistic processes, creativity and quantum time.

Interestingly, the cycle of your nostrils approximates the cycles of the hemispheres of the brain. You can tell which side f the brain is dominant at any given moment by checking which nostril you are using most of the time. Hold a mirror in front of your nose, the area of condensation will be larger under the nostril that is the most open. Remember the cross-wiring of the nervous system? More condensation under the right-nostril-more activity in the left hemisphere. If ;you are balancing your checkbook you would want to have more activity going on in the left hemisphere. If you are trying to compose a romantic valentine poem for your sweetheart you may want the creative juices of the right hemisphere flowing.

By forcing a change in your breathing you can stimulate the less active hemisphere. Some interesting asides: work performance can fluctuate caused by work doldrums, breathing exercises can help breakthrough those times; brain waves can be alteD90000 i.e. deep sleep is more quickly induced by left-nostril breathing; appetite and digestive function are higher during right-nostril dominance; sex is said to be most satisfying if the male is breathing through the right-nostril and the woman breathing primarily through the left-nostril, so say the Kundlini Yoga masters.

Next week we’ll begin exercises to improve your mental, emotional and physical states.