Behold, the humble Nose. Or actually, Noses.
Noses are a cool bit of science magic. And science is just magic explained, really. Scientists have run experiments on what ancient wisdom has told us: we actually have something more like two noses; each nostril is rather like its own nose.
We have two nasal passages that do not connect, they are their own organs. If you run a simple experiment, you will see that you likely have asymmetrical air flow through each passageway, and dominant airflow can and does change from one side to the other throughout the day.
Fun fact: ancient yogis would use a crutch under their arm to influence swelling around corresponding side nasal passages to change airflow dominance at will, and modern students of pranayama use this yoga danda, too. (Scientists recreated this experiment by using a ball under participants’ axilla - armpit.)
But why two Noses?
“For an air conditioning unit that works 24/7, 365 days a year it makes sense to have two units in parallel and alternate the airflow from one side to the other over a period of hours”(Dr. Eccles). (Around an hour and a half, actually.)
When one side gets blocked due to any inflammation from a cold or allergy, the other side can remain open and functioning. Blocking up one side can modulate temperature and nasal secretions in a way that kills harmful viruses, while still allowing you to filter and breathe air.
Uneven airflow can also affect our sense of smell. When airflow is dominant on one side, it allows scents to linger in the other side, which can give our brains a little longer to detect more information about a smell. And each nose (nostril) detects something a little different than the other.
Back to yogis: Yoga teaches that breathing in through the current dominant airway passage and out through the restricted one will stimulate one’s brain and restore vitality. This type of breathing is called Nadi Shodhana, which means “purifying the channels of circulation.” There are many touted benefits to Nadi Shodhana, including improved concentration, balancing hormones, releasing toxins, reducing anxiety, and centering one’s energy. It is a very calming practice, and if you have a few minutes, give it a try to clear your mind and reduce your stress.
Sit still, and with even posture. I would recommend not crossing any limbs. Place your right pinkie and ring finger on your left nostril and your right thumb on your right nostril. You will start by pressing closed your left nostril and breathing in through your right, holding both nostrils shut, then releasing your left nostril and pressing shut your right nostril, breathing out through your left. Each round of Nadi Shodhana is: inhale through left, exhale through right; inhale through right, exhale through left. If you practice before bed at night, start with breathing through your right nostril first (“right at night”), and if in the morning, start with your left nostril.
For more detailed instructions on how to practice Nadi Shodhana, you can check out Yoga International’s online article about it. And be sure to check out the shop for some lovely vintage handkerchiefs to gently clear any stuffiness and take good care of your facial air conditioners.
Namaste,
xo, and
Happy Breathing!
References:
“Why Do We Have Two Noses?” Ron Eccles, Common Cold Centre, Cardiff University, UK; https://www.physoc.org/magazine-articles/why-do-we-have-two-noses/
“Why Do Our Noses Have Two Nostrils?” John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Brittanica; https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-our-noses-have-two-nostrils
“Why You Need Nostrils” Dana Mackenzie, Science; https://www.science.org/content/article/why-you-need-nostrils
“Nadi Shodhana Pranayama” https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/yoga/nadi-shodhana-pranayama/
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170317/Climate-is-a-driving-factor-for-human-nose-shape.aspx