Nervous System and Nadis (Channels of Prana)

Question 1

What is the functional physiology of the nervous system?

Answer 1

Transmitting nerve impulses (messages) to adjust the body’s processes (i.e. reactions).

Question 2

What are the divisions of the Nervous System and what do they include?

Answer 2

1. Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord)

2. Peripheral Nervous System (every other nerve in the body)

Question 3

What system does the Enteric Nervous System fall under?

Answer 3

Peripheral Nervous System

Question 4

What are the divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Answer 4

1. Entering Nervous System
2. Somatic Nervous System
3. Autonomic Nervous System

Question 5

What is the Somatic Nervous System responsible for?

Answer 5

Muscular movement

Question 6

What is the Autonomic Nervous System responsible for?

Answer 6

Involuntary movement

Question 7

Name the divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System.

Answer 7

1. Sympathetic Nervous System

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System

Question 8

What is the Parasympathetic Nervous System known for?

Answer 8

The rest and digest response.

Question 9

What is the Enteric Nervous System known for?

Answer 9

Being the brain of the gut, includes regulations of secretion through the Endocrine System

Question 10

What is the Sympathetic Nervous System known for?

Answer 10

Its fight or flight response

Question 11

What are the 3 functions of the Nervous System?

Answer 11

1. Sensory Function
2. Integrative Function
3. Motor Function

Question 12

What is Sensory Function?

Answer 12

Receptors within the Nervous System detect stimuli, which then send afferent messages (to the brain).
Essentially the first step of the NS reaction, sensing something.

Question 13

Decisions made in the brain are reacting to stimuli - what is this part of?

Answer 13

Integrative Function

Question 14

How does Motor Function work?

Answer 14

Efferent messages (from the brain) are sent through nerve pathways to effectors (i.e. muscle fibres).
Essentially the last step of the nervous system, the reaction which follows the sensing and the decision making.

Question 15

What does SLUDD fall under?

Answer 15

Parasympathetic Nervous System, processes which occur in this state

Question 16

What does SLUDD mean?

Answer 16

Salivation
Lacrimation
Urination 
Digestion
Defecation

Question 17

Which asana types increase Parasympathetic Nervous System function?

Answer 17

Inversions, Forward Bends, Seated Twists, Savasana

Question 18

What types of Pranayama activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 18

Nadi Shodhana, Full Yogic Breath, Samavritti

Question 19

What within the scope of Yoga can be considered beneficial to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 19

Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Peaceful mudras, Restorative Poses, Chanting

Question 20

What are symptoms of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 20

High heart rate
Blood moving to mandatory organs
Opening of bowels
Muscle tension
Sweating
High blood pressure

Question 21

Which asana activate the Sympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 21

Strong twists (standing twists), Standing Asana, Surya Namaskar, Balancing, strong Inversions

Question 22

What type of Pranayama increase the Sympathetic Nervous System response?

Answer 22

Bhastrika, Kapalabhati

Question 23

What are the 3 main Nadis, in English and Sanskrit?

Answer 23

Left - Ida - Introverted
Centre - Sushumna - Middle Path (Absolute Path)
Right - Pingala - Active

Question 24

Name some characteristics of Ida Nadi?

Answer 24

Introverted
Feminine 
Creative
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Cold
Moon
Left side of body
Right side of brain

Question 25

Name some characteristics of Pingala Nadi?

Answer 25

Extroverted
Masculine
Do-er
Sympathetic
Hot
Sun
Right side of body
Left side of brain

Question 26

Name some characteristics of Sushumna Nadi?

Answer 26

Middle path
Only flows when other two Nadis flow
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Most important
Starts are the sacrum, travels up the spinal cord, to crown of head