Abstract
Introduction: The life force inside the human body is called Prana and according to Ayurveda and Yoga, this life force flows through structures called Nadi. Among the thousands of Nadi, two i.e. Ida and Pingala are most important in the present context.
Materials and Methods: Literature relating to Ida and Pingala from various literatures of Yoga and Ayurveda and published research papers relating to Unilateral Forced Nasal Breathing were reviewed to compare the relation between the two.
Observations: Ida is dominant on the left side of the body and Pingala on the right side. Also because of the relationship of Ida and Pingala to left and right nostril respectively, left nostril breathing activates Ida and right nostril breathing activates Pingala. Since many physiological functions such as heart rate, oxygenation of the blood etc. are directly related to the respiration, the control of breathing can directly influence these functions. Also, the contra lateral control of body activities by the brain and the lateralization of the brain in terms of functional anatomy show that unilateral breathing through one nostril can influence the selective activation of the contra lateral brain half thereby altering body functions. Conclusions: The treatment modality of Unilateral Forced Nasal Breathing can be correlated to the concept of Ida and Pingala described in Ayurvedic and Yogic literature.

Key words: Ida, Pingala, Nadi, Nasal cycle, Unilateral Forced Nasal Breathing.