Swar Yoga-The Yoga of Breath

Svara Sadhana

Svara Sadhana, practice of breath, is the revealer of Satya, Brahman and
bestower of the Supreme Knowledge and Bliss. Perform calm acts during the flow
of Ida and harsh acts during the flow of Pingala. Do acts resulting in the
attainment of psychic powers, Yoga, meditation, etc., during the flow of the
Sushumna. If the breath rises by Ida (moon) at sunrise and flows throughout the
day, and Pingala (sun) rises at sunset and flows throughout the night it confers
considerable good results. Let the breath flow through Ida the whole day and
through Pingala the whole night. He who practises thus is verily a great
Yogi.

How To Change The Flow In Nadis

The following exercises are for changing the flow from Ida to Pingala. Select
any one of the methods that suits you best. For changing the flow from Pingala
to Ida, just do the same exercise on the opposite side:

1. Plug the left nostril with a small piece of cotton or fine cloth for a few
minutes.

2. Lie down on the left side for ten minutes.

3. Sit erect. Draw the left knee up and keep the left heel near the left
buttock. Now press the left arm-pit, Axilla, on the knee. In a few
seconds the flow will be through Pingala.

4. Keep the two heels together near the right buttock. The right knee will be
over the left knee. Keep the left palm on the ground a foot away and let the
weight of the trunk rest on the left hand. Do not bend at the elbow. Turn the
head also towards the left side. This is an effective method. Catch hold of the
left ankle with the right hand.

5. The flow of breath can be changed by Nauli Kriya also.

6. There are some who are able to change the flow by will.

7. Place the Yoga Danda or Hamsa Danda (a wooden stick of about
2 feet in length with a rest of the shape of U at one end) at the left arm-pit
and lean on it by the left side.

8. The most effective and instantaneous result is produced in changing the
flow through Khechari Mudra. The Yogi turns the tongue inside and blocks the air
passage by the tip of the tongue.

The above exercise is intended for general regulation of breath.  breath. Wealth is
obtained with comfort and reputation through the power of breath. The knowledge
of the past, present and the future and all other Siddhis are acquired and a man
reaches the highest state, by the power of breath.

Practise every day the Svara Sadhana systematically and
regularly, that is, to allow the flow of breath through the left nostril
throughout the day and through the right nostril throughout the night. This
will, doubtless, bestow on you wonderful benefits. Wrong Svara is the cause of a
host of ailments. Observance of right Svara as described above leads to health
and long life.

Excerpts: Kundalini Yoga by Swami Sivananda