Seeking and Finding Wholeness

This study concerns the effects of forced nostril breathing on selective hemispheric stimulation.

TITLE:

Selective Hemispheric Stimulation by Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing
By Werntz DA, Bickford RG, Shannahoff-Khalsa D.

Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093.
Published in Human Neurobiology (1987) 6(3):165-171

INTRO:

This paper shows that forced nostril breathing in one nostril produces a relative increase in the EEG amplitude in the contralateral hemisphere. This phenomena was demonstrated in 5 out of 5 untrained subjects. These results suggest the possibility of a non-invasive approach in the treatment of states of psychopathology where lateralized cerebral dysfunction have been shown to occur.

We have previously demonstrated by the integration of EEG amplitudes, that an ultradian rhythm of alternating cerebral dominance exists in humans. This rhythm is tightly coupled with the nasal cycle, since its lateralization correlates with shifts in airflow through the left and right nostrils, where relatively greater integrated amplitudes in one hemisphere correspond to predominant airflow in the contralateral nostril. The nasal cycle is known to be regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. This dynamic lateralization of alternating activity in the autonomic nervous system exists in other peripheral structures and is also likely to be the mode of regulation of the cortical rhythm.

CITATION:

This paper was cited in:

• Complementary and Alternative Treatments in Mental Health Care
  By James Lake, David Spiegel
  Contributor James Lake, David Spiegel
  Published by American Psychiatric Pub, 2007
  ISBN 1585622028, 9781585622023
  478 pages

  The widespread use of nonconventional treatments, or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and the increasing evidence supporting their therapeutic benefits call for a concerted scientific effort to integrate treatments…

  On Page 399
  Read it online: http://books.google.com/books?id=tbJx_fYIfegC

• Comparative Vertebrate Lateralization
  By Lesley J. Rogers, Richard John Andrew
  Contributor Lesley J. Rogers, Richard John Andrew
  Published by Cambridge University Press, 2002
  ISBN 0521781612, 9780521781619
  660 pagesOn Page 382
  Selective hemispheric stimulation by unilateral forced nostril breathing. Human Neurobiology, 6, 165-171. Williams, H., Crane, LA, Hale, TK, Esposito, …
  On Page 524

  Read online: http://books.google.com/books?id=zfHFQuRwKMwC

• Obsessive-compulsive Disorders: Diagnosis, Etiology, Treatment
  By Eric Hollander, Dan J. Stein
  Published by Informa Health Care, 1997
  ISBN 0824798562, 9780824798567
  416 pages

  Integrates modern science and medicine with alternative and self-help therapies. Updates current knowledge on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-offering practical advice for specific and appropriate patient care. Obsessive-Co…

  On Page 327

  Read online: http://books.google.com/books?id=wgLZYUqgp-cC

• Yoga Breathing Techniques: Implications for Stress Management, Health, and Psychophysiological Research – By James E. Kennedy – September, 1990, Unpublished ManuscriptAbstractUnderstanding and application of various respiratory practices are impeded by the many interacting physiological and psychological variables. Yoga techniques may offer insights into useful breathing practices and control of important variables. This review integrates relevant data from (a) the psychophysiological/psychological literature, (b) the physiological/medical literature, and (c) studies of yoga. The available data indicate that yogic slow breathing practices promote dominance of the parasympathetic system, can help control stress, and can contribute to treatment programs for some chronic diseases. Basic research is needed on yogic rapid breathing and alternate nostril breathing techniques. Yogic claims about nasal airflow laterality and cognitive laterality have partial support. Psychological factors such as anxiety and distraction, as well as the physical details of breathing techniques, are important variables in psychophysiological research on respiratory practicesNOTE OF MAY, 1994: Several lines of research have progressed since this unpublished manuscript was prepared four years ago. These include: (a) several new studies of yoga breathing techniques have been reported, but they do not significantly alter the conclusion in this manuscript, and (b) the effects of deep breathing on the autonomic system and the effects of hyperventilation appear to be more complicated and/or variable than was recognized when the manuscript was prepared.Read it: For educational purposes – Request a PDF version from Ethan (author of this post).
• Swarodaya Vigjnan, A Scientific Analysis of the Nasal Cycle and its Applications – Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani M.B.B.S, A.D.Y, D.S.M, D.P.C, P.G.D.F.H., Chairman: International Center for Yoga Education and Research, PondicherryRead it: For educational purposes – Request a PDF version from Ethan (author of this post).
• A functional vagotomy induced by unilateral forced right nostril breathing decreases intraocular pressure in open and closed angle glaucomaJoshua Backon, Nelson Matamoros, Manuel Ramirez, Rodrigo M Sanchez, Jaime Ferrer,Alberto Brown, Uriel TichoBritish Journal of Ophthalmology, 1990,74,607-609
  
  Read it: For educational purposes – Request a PDF version from Ethan (author of this post).
• Stress: Neurobiology and Neuroendocrinology
  By Marvin R. Brown, George F. Koob, Catherine Rivier
  Contributor Marvin R. Brown, George F. Koob, Catherine Rivier
  Published by Informa Health Care, 1990
  ISBN 0824783255, 9780824783259
  703 pagesAssembles the research and opinions of selected investigators who have explored and characterized the mechanisms of stressor-induced diseases. The four broad areas of discussion include historical perspectives on the study of stress, the regulation and integration of homeostatic processes, the role

  On Page 667

  Read it online: http://books.google.com/books?id=zDrZ66rP2wkC
  

• In the Mind’s Eye: Enhancing Human Performance (1991)
  Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (CBASSE)By: Daniel Druckman and Robert A. Bjork, Editors; Committee on Techniques for the Enhancement of Human Performance, National Research Council

  PAPERBACK
  ISBN-10: 0-309-04747-1
  ISBN-13: 978-0-309-04747-0

  Description:
  Can we use special techniques to improve performance in our daily lives? In the Mind’s Eye says yes, in some cases. For example, procedures that enhance a person’s sense of control are generally

• Pranayama (breathing exercises) in Light of Contemporary Science
  Dejan Kupnik, M.D.
  Centre for Emergency Medicine – Prehospital Unit, Maribor/Slovenia
  (certified YIDL teacher)
  2003/July/16Read it online: http://www.yoga-in-daily-life.org/articles/show.asp?id=20030716201
  
• CEREBRAL BREATHINGRead it online: http://home.gwi.net/~erichard/cerebr.htm

More on:

• Werntz DA (opens a new window)
• Bickford RG (opens a new window)
• Shannahoff-Khalsa D (opens a new window)