It is worth to note that the 'alveolar surface of the lungs' comprises of the wide areas from which 'interoceptive' nerve impulses go to the brain. Particularly it happens when the lungs are stretched to their utmost extent. This function is not limited to the lungs alone, and also extends to the bronchioles, bronchi, trachea and the larynx. Thus one could look forward to a chance of a possible integration of the 'autonomic' and also cerebral and spinal impulses thereby bringing about a balanced state of the mind and which enhances consciousness to elevated situation. Pranayama can bring about changes in these internal functions of human body, thus affecting the human pysche. In 'Yoga-Mimarnsa' , a special book dealing with Pranayama , it has been mentioned that certain changes of the 'intrathoracic' and 'intra-pulmonic' pressure changes can be brought about due to Pranayama. Certain internal pressures of the abdomen also change considerably due to the exercise of Pranayama yoga. It can also be easily proved that all the three types of pressures, as cited just now, are highly delivered during Pranayama practices. This high pressure gives marginal stimulus to the diverse network of intersecting nerves that are to be found in the abdomen and the thorax. Also certain more assumptions are being made by eminent yogists about the spiritual values of Pranayaama. They have claimed that the practice of Pranayama induces high pressures both in the central tube of the spinal cord and the 'ventricles' of the brain. These pressures stimulate the whole of the central nervous system. Due to these Owing to these central and marginal stimuli, the consciousness of the human being begins to be interiorized and super sensuous perceptions thus begin to generate. The Spiritual values of Pranayama reaches to a new dimension, according to many yogists, when they said that the consciousness itself gets more and more refined, until the consciousness of the human being blends into the cosmic enabling a person to coalesce with the Infinite. |