Pranayama question. index finger polluted?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

hi,

i either read this in rama prasad’s ‘the science of the breath’ or in swami sivananda’s ‘kundalini yoga’.

for the instruction in alternate nostril breathing, it says that one should use the
ring finger for the left nostril and the thumb for the right nostril. the index finger should not be used
because the energy in that finger is polluted.

i have no problem following this instruction but i am very curious as to why the index finger has polluted energy.

anyone can shine a light on this?

thanks,
wim

#2

wim,

“Polluted” is another way of saying “stagnate.”

It’s about circulation. Because in vishnu mudra, the ring-finger and thumb are on opposite sides of the sagittal plane of the hand (or opposite sides of the hand/body), it supports the body with alternately opposing energy across that division, complimentary to the breathing pattern. Contrary to that, because the thumb and index finger are on the same side of that division (or same side of the hand/body) support from the mudra comes from only one direction, it does not alternate in coordination and so energy stagnates or gets “polluted.”

You will notice that by holding the left hand in chin mudra during anuloma viloma, the index and thumb effectively come together to send energy in one direction, lending strength and support to the spine and right arm to effectively help hold it up. Sahweet!

But also, what swami Sivananda meant by “polluted,” is that you use that finger for picking?..nose, ears, and other assorted…thangs? Sometimes you get just a short answer and it should be good enough. Short answer here is…it’s funky.

I hope that helps.
peace,
siva

#3

hi,

thanks for your answer siva, it does help.

i like to sit outside while doing these exercises and this time of year i am wearing gloves,
does that effect the energy in the fingers, funky or not? :slight_smile:

thanks again,
wim

#4

wim,

No it won’t. “Energy” here is the force you apply, pushing and pulling, balance and stability, not the etherial type.

Doing it with gloves on does not sound appealing. I admire your fortitude. Keep at it. Spring is coming.

siva

#5

it is ok with gloves actually, you can also wipe your nose easily that way. :slight_smile:

and i love to ski, so spring can wait.

thanks again siva!

#6

strangely came across a you tube of sivananda playfully eating his food and putting his index finger in his mouth in a joking playful way.Presumably this is related to the subject of this thread