It seems both nostrils are always working while breathing through the nose. But there is always one more predominant than the other one and every 2 ½ hr switches unconsciously to the other one.

The science of nostrils is called Swara Yoga. It teaches that when a nostril is predominant the opposite side of the brain it is dominant.

The right nostril it’s directly related with the sympathetic part of the brain, the known “fight and flight” mechanism. In the other side, the left nostril it’s directly related with the parasympathetic part of the brain, the “rest and repair” mechanism.

According to this, breathing to the right nostril will make you tap into a more energetic state of mind, and breathing through the left nostril will make you relax, and calm down.

In today’s way of living there is a tendency to use more the “fight and flight” mechanism. This unbalances our state of mind to creating more stress, and lowering our immunologic defenses.

Fortunately, there are different basic breathing sets, Pranayamas, will help you to regain balance again, and even will allow the yogi to tap into elevated states of being.

You should be able to switch nostrils by concentrating on it. The left side it’s directly related with calmness, and the right nostril with energy. So if can’t feel sleep at night lie down on the right side, and with the pillow apply slight pressure on the right nostril, and breathe through the left.

Yogi Bhajan used to teach us when having an argument that you want to win, to be wise and wait 2 ½ hr. Then bring the subject back. The whole mental state has been altering to the other side.