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*Flex and fold the tips of the fore and middle fingers into the hollow of the palm. This brings about the proper adjustment of the tips of the ring and little fingers against the tip of the thumb, creating space between the fingers and the thumb. This makes the palm soft.
*The individual width of the tips of the ring and little fingers are much less than that of the thumb. To equalise them curve the fingers to meet the thumb, join their tips, keeping space between the knuckles. If this is difficult, place a round object, such as a cork, about half an inch wide, between the knuckles. The fingers will then become accustomed to their new position. The centre of the thumb should lie opposite the joined tips of the two fingers. Normally the skin of the thumb tip is harder and thicker than that of the two fingertips. Press the thumb tip lightly against the tips of the ring and little fingers to make it soft.
*Raise the right wrist until the tips of the thumb and the ring and little fingers are opposite the nose. Keep the front of the wrist away from the chin, and bring the tips of the thumb and of the ring and little fingers horizontally against the nostrils.
*Between the nasal bone and the cartilage there are tiny inverted V shaped notches. The skin below the V-shaped notched of the nose is concave. The tips of the thumb and digits are convex in shape. Therefore, place the thumb and digits to rest there evenly. Keep the walls of the nasal passages parallel with the septum, using pressure from the top and bottom corners parallel with the septum, using pressure from the top and bottom corners of the thumb and of the fingertips throughout the practice of pranayama. Never keep the fingers on the nostrils, but gently rotate the tips on the root of the nose towards the nostrils to feel the passage of the breath. Partially close the passage of both nostrils to measure in them the even flow of breath. If the digits are not steady, the flow of breath becomes uneven, creating strain on the nervous system and heaviness in the brain cells. Fine adjustment of the digital tips is necessary to widen or narrow the nasal pasages from moment to moment according to the movement of breath and also to suit individual requirements. The widening or narrowing of the nasal passages by digital control may be compared to the fine adjustment of the aperture of the iris of a camera lens for correct exposure of a colour film. If the aperture adjustments is inaccurate, the result will not show correct rendering of colours. Similarly, if the apertures of the nasal passages are not manipulated with subtlety, the results of pranayama will be distorted. The correct adjustment of the nasal passages will control the flow of breath from the external, meansurable area of the nostrils to the immeasurable depth within.
*In digitally controlled pranayama thumb and apposing fingers of the right hand are manipulated like a pair of calipers. Control is by the tips of the thumb on the right nostril and those of the ring and little fingers on the left nostril. These three digits are those used for the practice of pranayama for the best results.
*Normally the skin of the nose is softer than that of the tips of the thumb and the fingers. The tips get further tensed when the fingers are placed on the nose. To reduce this tension, pull back the skin of the fingers of the right hand, from the tips to the knuckles, with the left hand. See that the skin of the nostrils and of and receptive. Then the in-and out- flow of breath moves smoothly, softly and in fine from over the membranes. This receptivity in the membranes helps the thumb and fingers to learn, feel, check, control and prolong the flow of breath as well as the duration of time. For the smooth and soft flow of the breath over the membranes, adjust the digits on the nasal skin delicately.
*The softer and more sensitive the skin of the fingertips, the more accurately can the breath be controlled. The passage in each nostril is widened or narrowed by very light sensitive pressure so as to regulate the flow of breath and the subtle forms of energy associated with it.
*Do not pinch or irritate the nose, nor move the position of the septum. This not only disturbs the flow of breath on the sides of the nose, but also makes the chin lean to the stronger side. Do not jerk the fingers or the thumb. They should be subtle and at the same time mobile enough to make the fine adjustments needed to broaden or narrow the nasal passages.
*Whenever dryness or irritation is felt on the membranes, lighten the finger pressure on them without losing the contact that makes the blood flow. This is keeps the skin of the nose and of the fingertips fresh, clean and sensitive. Sometimes, if it is sticky, one may have to pull the outer skin of the nose down with the left hand.
*See that the chin does not move to the right as you bring your hand up to your nostrils.
*Those using the right hand tend to lean the chin and head towards the right while changing the finger pressures from left to right. Those who use the left hand may lean them towards the left. Learn to keep the middle of the chin in line with the middle of the sternum.
*During inhalation the flow of air through the nasal membranes moves upwards, and in exhalation downwards. Unconsciously the digits follow the breath. Adjust and move the fingers against the currents of breath.
*In pranayama the breath enters the nose at the centre by the slides of the septum, gliding effortlessly over it and then moving down to the lungs. It leaves by the outside of the nostrils near the cheeks. Use the tip of the thumb and digits differently for inhalation and exhalation.
*Divide the tips into three portions, outer, middle and inner. During inhalation the outer fingertip is used to control the incoming breath, the middle to stabilise it and the inner to channel it into the bronchi.
*In inhalation the top part of the digital tip is pressed lightly to narrow the passage at the root of the nose. The digital manipulation required may be compared to diverting water from a reservoir to surrounding fields. Air acts as the reservoir and the fingertips as the sluice gates through which water passes into irrigation channels, the bronchi. The flow is controlled by the sluice gates, through which water passes into irrigation channels, the bronchi. The flow is controlled by the sluice gates, which break the force of the current and stabilise the level of water in the channel. The channels branch off into irrigation ditches to take the water into the fields for crops. The bronchi branch off into bronchioles to take the inhaled air into the furthermost corners of the alveoli.
*In exhalation, the inner digital tips are used for control, the middle for stabilising and breaking the force, and the outer for channeling the breath. In exhalation, there will be a choking sensation. Lighten the pressure of the inner tips of the digits and make the outer ones narrow and steady. This will smooth the outflow of breath. Exhalation may be likened to the flow of a river to the sea. The flow of breath from the alveoli is like the flow of water in the mountain streams that merge into rivulets, the bronchioles. The rivulates join the tributaries and finally a great river spreads into a delta to meet the sea. The air in the branchioloes flow into the bronchi and thence into the nasal cavity, the delta, to merge into the ocean of the atmosphere.
*If the sound of the breath is rough,or if the breathing is quick, it is because the nasal passages are too wide. The flow will become smoother if the passage be narrowed. If the flow is correct and even, soft vibration will be felt by the fingertips. Listen to the resonant sound of breath and refine it. If the sound is not resonant, but harsh, it is a sign that the fingertips are vertical to the nostrils. Adjust them at once to face the nostrils horizontally.
*Act with perfect understanding between the fingertips and the nasal membranes. Touch, balance and sustained pressure, by the fingertips tracing the flow of breath will alone lead to perfection in digital pranayama.
*As we gently take in the delicate frangrance of a flower, practise pranayama as if drawing in the fragrance of the air.
*If inhalation is longer than exhalation, it indicates that the nasal passages were more blocked during inhalation than exhalation. In order to increase the length of time for exhalation, gently lessen digital pressure during inhalation, but increase it for exhalation. If it is the other way, then vice-versa. After achieving equally in both over a period of time, narrow the nasal passages to make respiration deep and long as well as smooth and subtle. Too much or no digital pressure makes the fingertips intensitive. Correct sensitivity can be achieved only by training and experience.
*Measure the smoothness and length of time taken by the first inhalation and try to maintain it when you breath out. The first breath is always the guide. The same applies when you increase the duration and also throughout your pranayama practice, for rhythm and balance is the secret of yoga.
*We unconsciously breathe the prayer 'so ham': ' He (sah) the immortal spirit am I (Aham) in respiration'. Inhalation flows with the sound of 'Sah' and exhaalation with 'Aham'. Thus unconscious prayer is said without realising its meaning and feeling. When pranayama is practised, listen to this prayer with meaning and feeling when this realisation becomes nadanusandhana in which the sadhaka gets absorbed in the sound of his own breath. This enables him to receive the incoming breath as life's elixir and a blessing from the lord, and the outgoing breath as his surrender to him.
*Keep the eyes, jaws, cheeks and the skin around the temples soft and relaxed. Do not raise the eyebrows when inhalaing.
*Forceful in – and out- breathing fosters the ego. If the flow is smooth and almost inaudible to the sadhaka, he will be filled with humanity. This is the beginning of self-culture.
*If the bone in your nose has been broken or the septum is not straight, adjust the digits somewhat differently. Find the opening of the nasal passage near the bone and keep the fingertips on the skin just above the opening. If the bend or deviation is to the right, the middle tip of the thumb should be moved up with the nasal skin: if to the left, then move the tip of the ring finger with the nasal skin.
*The ala nasi are the fleshy curved parts at the tip of the nose which flare and dilate the nsotrils. Sometimes the skin there is very soft, with the result that the nostrils get blocked at the slightest pressure. If you feel this has happened to the right nostril, move the inner tip of the thumb up towards the root of the nose.
*If the nasal skin feels very dry, lift it with the fingertips and gently push it towards the septum as you breathe in. If the nostrils feel dry, ease the pressure on the nostrils. If the digital tips do not react to the flow of breath, stop practice for the day.
*Measure the extent and fineness of the breath at the start. When the volume or the length of breath begins to vary or when the outer nostrils become hard and rough, stop practice for the day.
*Never practise digital pranayama when you have a headache, or when worried, anxious or restless, nor when the nose is blocked or running, when you have a fever or immediately afterwards. At such times practise savasana, inhaling normally, exhaling slowly and deeply.
== References ==
