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Chapter V: The Nervous System1687
Chapter V: The Nervous System
It will be noticed that the Western scientific theories regarding the breath
confine themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen, and its
use through the circulatory system, while the Yogi theory also takes into
consideration the absorption of Prana, and its manifestation through the
channels of the Nervous System. Before proceeding further, it may be as
well to take a hasty glance at the Nervous System.
The Nervous System of man is divided into two great systems, viz., the
Cerebro-Spinal System and the Sympathetic System. The Cerebro-Spinal
System consists of all that part of the Nervous System contained within the
cranial cavity and the spinal canal, viz., the brain and the spinal cord, together
with the nerves which branch off from the same. This system presides over
the functions of animal life known as volition, sensation, etc. The Sympathetic
System includes all that part of the Nervous System located principally in
the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities, and which is distributed to the
internal organs. It has control over the involuntary processes, such as growth,
nutrition, etc.
The Cerebro-Spinal System attends to all the seeing, hearing, tasting,
smelling, feeling, etc. It sets things in motion; it is used by the Ego to
think—to manifest consciousness. It is the instrument with which the Ego