Sometimes we forget just how powerful breathing techniques can be. Breathing through one nostril at a time has been shown by the EEG readings, which measure brain wave activities, to selectively stimulate the appropriate hemisphere of the brain. As the right side of the brain is generally considered to be the seat of creativity and the left the logic/thought area, there is a suggestion that this type of breathing may temporarily increase function in both sides of the brain. To date studies in this area however are inconsistent.
Kapalabhati a form of yogic breathing, which involves a rapid serious of forceful short sharp breaths, has been shown to decrease alpha and beta brain waves, so increasing slow theta waves leading to a deep relaxation response.
