Yoga Danda, Japa Meditation and Pranayama

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Yoga Danda, Japa Meditation and Pranayama

 

 

In a normally healthy person, the flow in any one nostril is slightly

restricted as compared to the flow in the other nostril. This unequal

flow between nostrils is normal and alternates between the right and

the left on its own every few hours.

 

However, sometimes one nostril gets exceedingly restricted and the

flow is blocked if there is any disturbance in our mind-body complex.

At this time, even the alteration in flow to the other nostril is

delayed.

 

There are ways available to change the flow of breath between

nostrils if you experience the need to do so.

 

This is specially required to practice alternate nostril breathing

successfully - a very useful Pranayama breathing technique with

powerful benefits

 

 

The Tool

The Yoga Danda or Yoga staff is an ancient device, which when

supported under the armpits, provides the desired effect.

The Yoga Danda is a T-shaped wooden staff of about 2 feet in height.

The horizontal member is bent in the shape of a " U " with a smooth

broad edge to provide a comfortable support to the armpit.

 

By using it appropriately, the flow in the nostrils can be regulated.

 

How to Use

Squat on the floor or be seated in any meditative posture such as

Siddhasana or Padmasana with spine erect.

 

Support your torso on the Yoga Danda by resting your armpit on the U-

shaped horizontal member of the staff. The Danda is to be placed

under the side that has the open nostril. For example, if the flow is

free on the right nostril, support your right armpit on the Yoga

danda. After a few minutes, you will feel the flow of breath easier

through the left nostril. Once this flow through the left nostril is

achieved, the stick may be removed.

 

 

Benefits

The Yoga Danda offers a convenient way to alter breath flow between

nostrils. This is especially useful in gaining the maximum out of

Pranayama techniques, especially those requiring alternate nostril

breathing, such as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.

 

In fact, there is a whole branch of Yoga, called Svara Yoga that

employs regulation of flow between nostrils to achieve optimum energy

flows in our body with great results.

 

In all, this is a handy tool to be had by a sincere yoga practitioner

who wishes to harness the energy balancing power of yoga.

 

 

Using the Yoga Danda for Japa meditation

Some practitioners of Japa Meditation on mala beads rest the hands on

the knees while turning the beads, so that the mala is allowed to

rest on the floor. Others, bend their arm so that their hand is

placed towards the heart while bead turning but this can be tiresome.

 

Often, many practitioners of japa meditation, prefer to support their

forearm on the Yoga Danda, so that they can practice japa without

discomfort.

 

In this case, the danda is placed in front of the seated body and the

hand supported on it. The mala is allowed to fall freely from this

raised position that facilitates turning of the beads for japa.