Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system is subdivided into the sympathetic and
the parasympathetic nervous systems. These two subsystems work in
seeming opposition to each other, yet the result is harmonious regulation.

The parasympathetic system, tries to slow down the heart while the sympathetic system accelerates it, between these two opposing actions the heart rate is regulated. The sympathetic nervous system consists mainly of two vertical rows of ganglia, or nerve cell clusters, arranged on either side of the spinal column. Branches from these cords spread out to different glands and viscera in the thorax and abdomen, forming integrated plexuses with nerve branches of the parasympathetic system


The main part of this system is the tenth cranial nerve, also called the vagus, or wandering, nerve which is connected with the hindbrain and travels downwards along the spinal cord through the neck, chest and abdomen, sending out branches to form various plexuses with the sympathetic system. It ends in a plexus which is connected to the solar plexus; but even though it ends at the solar plexus, it is connected with the lower plexuses through filaments.

There are only two known ways of having conscious control over our involuntary nervous system. One is that it can be brought under conscious control by systematically practicing breathing exercises and by preparing oneself for understanding the various vehicles and channels of prana. Regulating the motion of the lungs the heart function is regulated. Then the right vagus nerve is brought under conscious control, and the portion of the mind that coordinates with the involuntary system is accessible



 

Gaining Control over the Autonomic Nervous System

The other way of gaining control over the autonomic nervous system is through will power. The more the mind is dissipated, the more the will is scattered. When the mind is made onepointed, the mind strengthens the will power, and with the help of the will power the autonomic nervous system functions in the way we want it to. It is true that there is no such thing as an involuntary system if one learns to control and regulate the motion of the lungs. For by doing so, a vast portion of that system is brought under control.

In the science of breath related to pranayama a detailed knowledge and experience is needed to study the finer forces of life than the mere intake of oxygen and output of carbon dioxide. The ancient manuals of yoga anatomy, for instance, describe a network of several thousand nadis, or channels, through which the currents of Prana flow, energizing and sustaining all parts of the body as well as the several thousand nadis.

Merging one's Individual Soul


 

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