AYURVEDA AND YOGA –

A PLAY WITH THE AUTONOMUS NERVOUS SYSTEM

Antoaneta Zarkova, MD
Atma Jyoti

Yoga exists since immemorial time and Ayurveda has been created by the ancient rishies more
than 5000 years ago. The main goal of Ayurveda is to preserve human health while the main goal
of Yoga is to achieve spiritual development and realization of the entire human potential.
The ancients possessed amazing knowledge of human physiology. Yoga practices still hide many
secrets concerning the way they work and their complete revelation is still to be achieved.
Functions of the internal organs are controlled by autonomous nervous system. The name
“Autonomous” reflects its independence from our will. It functions automatically without direct
participation of our consciousness. Ayurveda and Yoga possess remarkable methods to
manipulate this system and they have practically overcome its autonomy and have transformed it
into a nervous system controlled by willpower.

Copyright © 2010 Antoaneta Zarkova

Some physiology

Autonomous nervous system has two branches: sympathetic, mainly stimulating and
parasympathetic, mainly relaxing. These two branches function in a dynamic balance to maintain
harmonious equilibrium.
Sympathetic nervous system is dominant in case of stress and “fight or flight” situations. One is
aggressive and excited. The brain produces hormones of stress, heart rate increases, blood is
redistributed to the active skeletal muscles while the vessels of internal organs are constricted and
the functions of gastrointestinal tract are diminished. This is a general model of response to
psycho emotional stress, fear, pain, fast, cold etc (for more information: (1)).
Stress influences the axis hypothalamus – hypophysis – adrenal cortex and a lot of corticosteroids
are produced. These hormones mediate the adequate response to stressful conditions, but in the
same time considerably suppress immunity. One becomes susceptible to infections, his defense
potential and resistance to diseases is diminished.
Stimulation of parasympathetic nervous system almost identified with the vagal nerve, reduces
heart rate and the force of heart contractions. It increases the motility of the intestines, contracts
the gall bladder, relaxes the sphincters of gastrointestinal tract.
Following table summarizes the influence of both branches of autonomous nervous system on the
function of internal organs (based on 2).
Organ Sympathetic Parasympathetic
stimulation/ stimulation/
stress relaxation

Heart

heart rate increased reduced

power of contractions increased reduced

Gastrointestinal tract

motility reduced increased

sphincters (closing valves) contraction relaxation

secretion reduced increased

gallbladder and bile ducts relaxed contracted

 Exocrene glands (glands with
external secretion)

salivary glands slight secretion copious secretion

digestive glands reduced secretions copious secretion

containing many
enzymes

respiratory way secretion

sweat glands secretion secretion

pancreatic glands reduced secretion copious secretion

Among the effects mentioned in the table the easiest to observe is increased salivation. It could be
a reliable sign for the efficacy of the described practices for stimulation of the vagal nerve. The
calmer the mind and the deeper the relaxation, the easier the stimulation of salivation is.
Knowing the influence of the two branches of autonomous nervous system we could easily
imagine what happens in our body in chronic persistent stress. Sphincters are closed; the smooth
muscles in the walls of the large intestine, small intestine and gall bladder are relaxed. These
organs are overfilled with their content. Excretory process is halted. Waste products and toxins are
accumulated. Channels of circulation are blocked.
In the stressful daily life of modern humans elongated large intestine with transversal part hanging
and reaching the pubic area is a frequent finding. The heaviness of the accumulated content is
constant and considerable and causes stretching and elongation of the ligaments that fix the colon
which changes its configuration and motility even more.

Figure 1: Normal anatomy of the colon

Figure 2: Prolaps of the colon
Large intestine is a mirror of the mind. It reacts immediately to all emotions. Ordinary stress like a
simple travel often interferes with its function and causes constipation. Intestines are well
innervated organs and if their nerves are wind to a ball it would be comparable to the human brain.
Stress totally confuses their function.

Vagal nerve is the main instrument of the parasympathetic nervous system. Its nuclei are located
in medulla oblongata. They send their branches deep in the structures of the body to control the
functions of internal organs. Some of the branches are located near the surface of the body in
regions accessible for manipulation.

Ancient rishies have been familiar with these locations and have missed none of them to
create techniques for their manipulation. The influence on these branches produces
reflexogenic stimulation of the parasympathetic nucleus of the nerve and calms the activity of the
internal organs. Heart rate and breathing slow down. This saves energy and strength.

It is not clear how they acquired this knowledge. Even if we admit that they performed dissections
in ancient times, this would not give them information for the function of these nerves. They are so
small that they could not be able to see them without magnifying technique. We do not have other
possibility but to accept the idea of direct perception as a form of acquiring knowledge. It is
believed that Ayurveda, the science of life, has been perceived in meditation by the ancient rishies.
By observing the world rishies noticed that
life duration is related to the number of
breathings. Animals who breathe fast live
short. Those who breathe slowly live long.

Stimulation of the vagal nerve is central in

many Yogic practices.

These are the locations where the vagal

nerve comes out to accessible zones for
manipulation:
- muscle that constricts the pharynx (rami
pharyngei)
- behind the eye balls (radix oculomotoria)
- hard and soft palate (nervus palatinus)
- in the surface of the ear canal and lobe
(ramus auricularis)
- tongue (ramus lingualis) (3).
Figure 3: Places where the vagal nerve
comes out to the surface, names of the
nerve branches and the techniques for their
manipulation
The pivotal mudra in Yoga, KHECHARI MUDRA is a powerful
stimulator of the branches of the vagal nerve located in the soft
palate and tongue. In order to be able to perform this mudra a
long preparation is needed to elongate the frenulum of the
tongue with the necessary exercises, so that it could be flexed
upwards and put into the upper apperture of nasopharynx.
Because of the immediate and strong stimulation of the vagal
nerve one gets ample salivation. Heart rate and breathing
frequency are reduced.

Figure 4: Khechari Mudra

Figure 5: Khechari Mudra performed by

Chitranjan Kumar (published with
permission)
This technique is described in the
ancient Yogic text Hatha Yoga
Pradipika Chapter 3 (32-37).
Chapter 3 (38) The yogi that remains even for half an hour with his tongue turned upwards is freed
from poisons, disease, old age and death. (4)

Chapter 3 (40) He who knows the Khechari mudra is not affected by any disease. He is not
affected by any karma and time has no power over him. (4)

Similar but not so strong effect is produced by the massage of the palate in the purifying procedure
Neti performed with rubber catheter. Salivation is ample.

Ancients share their wisdom using symbols, metaphors and allegories. Often one has to search
the hidden meaning between the lines. Sun represents sympathetic nervous system and moon
represents parasympathetic nervous system. In normal situation the nectar coming from the
nucleus of the moon located above the soft palate flows down and is burned by the rays of the
sun, representing the sympathetic part of the largest autonomous nervous plexus in human body –
the solar plexus. Amrita, the nectar is preserved when the moon and the sun change their places
and the flowing moon nectar remains safe from the rays of the burning sun. Instead of domination
of the sympathetic nervous system with the help of yogic practices, one stimulates
parasympathetic function and life force remains in the body. This text has also a certain direct
meaning because in the reversed postures the sun comes higher than the moon – the solar plexus
comes above the level of the head and the nectar is preserved because of the inevitable
jalandhara bandha described later in the text.
Chapter 3 (46) As the fire does not go out so long as there is fuel, as the light in the lamp does not
die out so long as there is oil and wick, so also the Jiva remains in the body as long as it is vivified
by the nectar of the Moon. (4)
Chapter 3 (77-79) Here Viparita Karani is described. Every particle of nectar that flows from the
ambrosial Moon is swallowed up by the Sun. Hense the body becomes old. There is a most
excellent process by which the sun is deceived. This should be learned by the guru himself. A
theoretical study of crones of shastras cannot throw any light upon it. This is known as
Viparitakarani. It consists in making the Sun and the Moon assume exactly their reverse
positionsi.e., the Sun that is now below the navel and the Moon that is above the palate, change
places. This is to be learned from the guru. (4)

In UJAI breathing the vagal nerve is stimulated by its branches located in the muscle constrictor of
the pharynx by gentle squeezing of the throat that produces wheezing sound by the air flow.
Squeezing of the throat itself produces stimulation of the vagal nerve.

The idea of purification of the body is central for Yoga and Ayurveda. Preservation of the purity of
the body is the fundament of perfect health and a base for higher spiritual practices. Besides
various herbs Ayurveda and Yoga use some physical techniques to enhance the natural
purification processes of the body.

A precious ancient practice having important place in Yoga and Ayurveda is the alternate nostril
breathing, ANULOMA VILOMA. This is a high technique for manipulation of the internal organs by
the autonomous nervous system. During expiration with one nostril closed, the contraction of the
abdominal muscles increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, pushes the diaphragm
upwards and increases the intrathoracic pressure. Together with pushing out the air or expiration
this causes stimulation of the vagal nerve that passes through the thorax (as opposed to the
sympathetic nerves which are hidden in the vertebral canal and spinal cord). This causes reduction
of the heart rate, increased salivation and perspiration. Intestinal peristaltic is activated and one
gets an impulse to empty his bowels. This function is executed by apana vayu (one of the five
forms of the air energy) and this process may be considered in Yogic understanding a connection
of prana and apana as a direct result of pranayama.

Anuloma means “in the right direction” and viloma means “in the opposite direction”.
In constipation this technique is important to facilitate evacuation especially if it is preceded by
drinking a glass of warm water. The effect is stronger if it is practiced at dawn, the period of peak
activity of the large intestine and the time of natural purification of the body.
Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system influences the function of the gall bladder and
bile ducts, as well as all gland structures of the body by increasing their watery secretions.
Sphincters of the internal organs are opened and the tone of their walls is increased. This
produces flushing of these organs with their own watery secretions and empting of their content.
Something like an internal bath. This practice is known in Yoga by the name of purification of the
channels – NADI SHODHANA.

Chapter 2 (37) Some teachers say that all the impurities (of the nadis) are removed by pranayama
only and not by anyother means. (4)

During fasting every 80 to 90 minutes there is a sequence of neuronal and motional activity of the
whole gastrointestinal tract called migrating motor complex. (1). It consists of 80 – 90 min of quiet
period followed by a period of irregular contractions that culminate in peristaltic rush. It starts in the
stomach and is accompanied by increased gastric, pancreatic and billiary secretion. This migrating
motor complex is the cleaner of the guts that removes unassimilated materials and performs
effective empting of the bowel content. Probably this is the process stimulated by the practice of
nadi shodhana.

During the exhalation on the contrary the pressure in the thoracic cavity is reduced so that the air
is sucked in. The tone of the vagal nerve is reduced and sympathetic tone relatively dominates. In
order to prevent increase of the heart rate and reduce the blood pressure during the retention after
full inhalation JALANDHARA BANDHA is performed. The head is bent forward so that chin
comes to the sternal notch (incisura yugularis). By this flexion the chin makes compression of
sinus caroticus. This is an anatomical structure in the wall of the carotid artery having a lot of
baroreceptors (detectors of pressure) found also in every large artery of the neck. They register
increased blood pressure and send impulses that lead to activation of nerves lowering the blood
pressure, which are also branches of the vagal nerve. This causes considerable reduction of the
heart rate and arterial pressure.

Chapter 3 (70) Contract the throat and press the chin against the breast. This is jalandhara bandha
and destroys old age and death. (4)

This bandha is inevitably performed in almost all reverse asanas like shoulderstand, plough, as
well as the Great Mudra or MAHA MUDRA and VIPARITAKARANI MUDRA.

If one measures his arterial pressure after holding this bandha long enough it will be about 90 to
60 mm Hg.
Figure 6: Half Shoulderstand
Figure 7: Shoulderstand
Figure 8: Plough
Figure 9: Mahamudra
It is given by the great rishies and its name, the great mudra reflects it importance in the practice of
Yoga.

Technique: Chapter 3 (10-14) Here Mahamudra is described: Pressing the perineum with the left
heel and stretching out the right leg, take hold of the toes with your hands. Then contract the throat
and hold the breath in the upper part. … Then one should breathe out very slowly and never
quickly... (4).

Viparitakarani mudra is half shoulderstand combined with Khechari mudra and Udjai (5). Its effect
is quite strong because of the combined effect of the already described techniques.

A therapeutic procedure described as a measure for purification of the eyes, NETRABASTI, is

traditionally performed within the cleansing program of Panchakarma – the radical purification
system of Ayurvedic medicine.
 Figure 10: Netrabasti

Pools of dough are made around the eyes and are filled with slightly warmed clarified butter. It is
retained for 15 to 30 minutes.
The cleansing potential of this procedure for the eyes is only a minor aspect of its general
cleansing effect for the entire body. It produces prolonged, controlled and measured stimulation of
vagal nerve. The heaviness of the oil that is kept on the eyes produces pressure on the eye balls
and stimulates branches of the vagal nerve located behind the eyes. It is similar to acupressure. It
produces reduction of the heart rate, salivation, increase of the watery secretions of the internal
organs and empting of the intestines.

AYURVEDA FREELY CONTROLS INTERNAL ORGANS BY MANIPULATION OF THE

AUTONOMOUS NERVOUS SYSTEM TRANSFORMING IT INTO A VOLUNTARY SYSTEM.
Parts of these techniques known as methods of Valsalva are used in modern cardiology in cases
of tachycardia as a first step before administration of drugs. They are: 1) pressing the eyeballs with
ones own hands and 2) exhaling against increased pressure. These methods are more drastic and
are appropriate only in the defined indications. In all other cases they would have serious
undesired effects.
Another technique used by Ayurveda to stimulate vagal nerve is filling the ears with pleasantly
warm oil – KARNA PURANA. Oil produces gentle pressure on the branches of vagal nerve
located in the ear canal. The effects are already described.
Ayurvedic massage effectively switches the nervous system from sympathetic to
parasympathetic regimen. This is a slow massage performed with pleasantly warmed herbal oils
and is a main procedure of the radical purification program, panchakarma. Its effect is immediate
in reducing sympathetic tone. Nervous system enters into parasympathetic regimen in which only it
is possible toxins to be released by the tissues and organs.
According to Ayurvedic text Ashtanga Hridayam, pathogenic materials go from tissues and
organs into the intestines as a result of calming of the nervous system, dilation of the
channels, liquefaction and transformation of toxins.

A pleasant and exotic procedure which has become an emblem of Ayurveda is SHIRODHARA.
Pouring pleasantly warmed oil for thirty minutes between the eyebrows or “the third eye” produces
deep relaxation and harmonization of nervous system. It is highly effective in cases of stress,
psychosomatic diseases, insomnia, headache and degenerative
diseases of the nervous system.
Figure 11: Shirodhara

Yoga and Ayurveda manipulate vagal nerve with various physical

techniques.
(In the last ten years there is growing interest in science to
stimulation of the vagal nerve (vagal nerve stimulation – VNS) with
electric impulses in cases of depression not responding to medical
treatment, as well as in other mood disorders.)
The entire Yoga practice is dominated by the idea of calming the nervous system and the mind
(chitta vritti norodha). It calms vital functions and they are reduced to a minimum when they are not
needed and this spares life. Body and its systems are spared and preserved. Ordinary Yoga
practitioner can reduce his breath rate to one inhalation per minute and what to say about serious
disciple. This makes more acceptable the stories of yogis who survive long time berried under the
ground and other unbelievable stories described in Yoga books.
All modifications of classical ancient Yogic practices made without profound understanding of their
mechanisms lead to a loss of their effects. Respect to ancient rishies and the knowledge left by
them, preserving the authentic Yogic practices described in original sources would eventually bring
us closer to their brilliance.

References:
1. Arthur C Guyton, John E. Hall. Chapter 62. General Principles of Gastrointestinal Function – Motility, Nervous Control and Blood
th
Circulation. Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier Saunders 11 edition 2006. 771-780.

2. Arthur C Guyton, John E. Hall. Chapter 60, The Autonomic nervous system. Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier Saunders
th
11 edition 2006. 754.
3. Синелъников Р.Д. Атлас анатомии человека. Том ІІІ. Москва. Медицина 1983. 156.
4. Yogi Swatmarama. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Om Lotus Publications. Reprinted from the 1893 Edition. 1987.

5. Свами Сатьянанда Сарасвати. АСАНА ПРАНАЯМА МУДРА БАНДХА «София», 2000.182.