The Evolution of the Human Brain
The human brain evolved over millions of years, starting from a simple neural structure in early life forms to the complex organ it is today.

by Mukesh Morwall

Early Brain Development
The human brain evolved through distinct stages over millions of years, each adaptation building upon previous developments:
Primitive Beginnings
Around 500 million years ago, primitive brains emerged in fish, controlling only the most basic survival functions like breathing and heart rate.
The Emotional Brain
As mammals evolved, the limbic system developed, enhancing emotional responses and memory formation, allowing for more complex behaviors and social interactions.
Neocortex Expansion
Around 2 million years ago, early humans experienced rapid brain growth, particularly in the neocortex, enabling advanced thinking, language development, and enhanced social intelligence.
Bipedalism's Impact
When early humans began walking upright around 4 million years ago, the vertical position of the spine freed hands for tool use, improved blood flow to the brain, and allowed the brain to expand, further enhancing cognitive capabilities and supporting social bonding, hunting, and cultural evolution.
Today's human brain remains highly interconnected and plastic, capable of innovation, abstract thought, and deep self-awareness as a result of these evolutionary developments.
The Triune Brain Model: A Detailed Explanation
The Triune Brain Model was proposed by Paul D. MacLean in the 1960s. It explains the human brain as an evolutionary structure with three distinct layers, each representing a different stage of evolution.
Structure of the Triune Brain
The model divides the brain into three parts:
Reptilian Brain (Basal Ganglia) – "Survival Brain"
The most primitive part of the brain, present in reptiles and early mammals.
Controls basic survival functions: heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and instincts.
Responsible for fight-or-flight responses, aggression, territoriality, and habitual behaviors.
Operates unconsciously and reacts quickly without rational thought.
Paleomammalian Brain (Limbic System) – "Emotional Brain"
Developed in early mammals, this system manages emotions, motivation, and memory formation.
Includes key structures like the amygdala (emotional processing) and hippocampus (memory).
Influences social bonding, nurturing behaviors, and emotional reactions to experiences.
Neomammalian Brain (Neocortex) – "Thinking Brain"
The most recent evolutionary development, highly developed in humans.
Responsible for higher cognitive functions: reasoning, language, planning, and abstract thinking.
Enables self-awareness, conscious decision-making, and complex problem-solving abilities.
The Limbic System and Neocortex
Limbic System – "Emotional Brain"
Developed in early mammals; responsible for emotions, memories, and social bonding.
Includes key structures like the amygdala (processes fear and emotions), hippocampus (stores memories), and hypothalamus (regulates hormones).
Drives motivation, pleasure, and pain responses, influencing behaviors based on emotions rather than logic.
Neocortex – "Thinking Brain"
The most advanced and largest part of the brain, unique to higher mammals, especially humans.
Enables logic, reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, and language processing.
Divided into different lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal) that control different cognitive functions.
Allows for self-awareness, empathy, conscious decision-making, and long-term planning.
Integration of Emotional and Thinking Brains
The limbic system and neocortex work together to create our complete human experience.
Emotions from the limbic system are processed and moderated by the rational neocortex.
This integration allows humans to experience complex emotional states while maintaining conscious control over behaviors and responses.
Uniqueness and Limitations of the Triune Brain Model
Uniqueness of the Triune Brain Model
  • Evolutionary Perspective: The model explains how the human brain evolved from simple instinct-driven structures to complex reasoning capabilities.
  • Behavioral Understanding: Helps explain why humans sometimes act emotionally (limbic) or instinctively (reptilian) rather than logically (neocortex).
  • Psychological and Therapeutic Applications: Used in understanding emotional trauma, stress responses, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Brain Integration Concept: Highlights the need to balance all three parts of the brain for optimal mental health and well-being.
Limitations of the Triune Brain Model
  • Oversimplification: The brain does not function as three separate parts but rather as an interconnected system.
  • Outdated Evolutionary Assumptions: Modern neuroscience shows that even reptiles and lower mammals have emotional capacities, challenging the idea that the limbic system is only present in mammals.
  • Lack of Neurological Precision: Many functions of the brain are distributed across multiple regions rather than being isolated to specific evolutionary layers.
  • Neglects Neuroplasticity: The model does not account for how the brain adapts, rewires, and learns over time.
Recent Advancements in Neuropsychology
With advancements in brain imaging (fMRI, EEG, PET scans) and neuroscience, new models have improved upon the Triune Brain concept.
The Integrated Brain Model
Neuroscientists now see the brain as a highly interconnected network rather than three distinct layers.
The prefrontal cortex is now understood as an essential regulator that integrates information from all brain areas.
Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges)
Expands on the Triune Brain by explaining how the vagus nerve regulates emotional responses, social engagement, and trauma recovery.
Neuroplasticity and Brain Training
Modern research shows that the brain can reorganize itself through experiences, learning, and therapy.
This challenges the idea that the brain operates in a rigid, hierarchical manner.
Emotional and Social Neuroscience
Studies reveal that emotions and reasoning are not separate; even the neocortex is involved in emotional processing.
The gut-brain axis and microbiome research show that emotions are influenced by gut health.
AI and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
Advancements in neurotechnology allow for mind-controlled prosthetics, AI-assisted cognitive therapies, and deep brain stimulation for mental health disorders.
Integrating the Triune Brain with Holistic Wellness
The Triune Brain Model can be aligned with Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupressure, and Mind-Body Healing for a deeper understanding of psychological balance and holistic well-being.
Triune Brain & Ayurveda (Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Each brain layer aligns with an Ayurvedic dosha, influencing personality, emotions, and mental health.
Neocortex (Higher Thinking) → Vata Dosha
Governs creativity, ideas, and cognitive processes
Balanced Vata: Quick thinking, flexibility, and innovation.
Imbalanced Vata: Anxiety, overthinking, restlessness, and distraction.
Limbic System (Emotions & Memory) → Pitta Dosha
Governs passion, emotions, and motivation
Balanced Pitta: Sharp intellect, courage, and enthusiasm.
Imbalanced Pitta: Anger, stress, over-competitiveness, and frustration.
Reptilian Brain (Survival & Instinct) → Kapha Dosha
Governs stability, routine, and bodily functions
Balanced Kapha: Creates a calm, grounded, and resilient mind.
Imbalanced Kapha: Leads to lethargy, stubbornness, and emotional resistance.
Swara Vidya: The Science of Breathing Through Different Nostrils
Swara Vidya, also known as Swara Yoga, is an ancient science that explores the relationship between breath, nostrils, and the rhythms of life. It is primarily based on two classical texts: Shiva Swarodaya and Swara Samhita. This knowledge helps in harnessing Prana (life force energy) by understanding the natural rhythms of breath.
Ida Swara (Left Nostril)
Associated with the Moon (Chandra Nadi), governing cooling, mental clarity, intuition, relaxation, and emotions. Linked to the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Best during Afternoon (Noon to Sunset) for meditation, studying, healing, and creative work, and from Midnight to Early Morning for restful activities and social interactions.
Best Time during the DAY TIME as it Maintains Homeostasis and balance in the temperature of the environment - inner and outer
Sushumna Swara (Both Nostrils)
Represents the Central Channel (Sushumna Nadi) and occurs during transitions between nostrils. It serves as a gateway to higher consciousness and meditation.
This rare state appears briefly during the natural transition of breath between nostrils, which typically shifts approximately every 60 to 90 minutes, influenced by the Sun's movement and the Earth's rotation.
Longer durations of Sushumna are never Healthy for a common man unless in deep meditation states.
Pingala Swara (Right Nostril)
Associated with the Sun (Surya Nadi), governing heat, physical activity, logic, analysis, and vitality. Linked to the Sympathetic Nervous System.
Dominant during Morning (Sunrise to Noon) for physical work, eating, business, travel, and sports, and from Evening to Midnight for decision-making, debates, and physical activities.
Best Time during the NIGHT as it activates the digestion , Lymph and Restoration Process
The breath naturally shifts from one nostril to the other approximately every 60 to 90 minutes, influenced by the Sun's movement and the Earth's rotation. By understanding these patterns, we can optimize our activities according to which nostril is naturally dominant during different times of the day.
Practical Applications of Swara Vidya
Swara Vidya is not just about observation; it has practical applications in health, success, decision-making, and spiritual growth.
Ida Swara (Left Nostril)
Associated with the Moon, this cooling energy is ideal for meditation, studying, healing, and creative work.
When dominant, practice this for introspection and spiritual activities.
Pingala Swara (Right Nostril)
Connected to the Sun, this heating energy supports physical work, eating, business, travel, and sports.
Best for decision-making, debates, and practical tasks.
Sushumna Swara (Both Nostrils)
Represents the Central Channel and serves as a gateway to higher consciousness.
Ideal for deep meditation, spiritual practices, and self-inquiry.
Health Applications
Balancing Excess Heat
If you feel stressed, overheated, or restless, activate left nostril breathing (Ida) by lying on the right side.
Combating Lethargy
If you feel lazy, sleepy, or cold, activate right nostril breathing (Pingala) by lying on the left side.
Achieving Balance
Practice alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) to balance the energy channels and harmonize mind and body.
Spiritual Practice Enhancement
Ida for Inner Focus
Left nostril (Ida) breathing is best for Japa, meditation, and practices requiring inward focus.
Pingala for Dynamic Practices
Right nostril (Pingala) breathing supports dynamic practices like Hatha Yoga or Kriya Yoga.
Sushumna for Samadhi
Advanced yogis use Swara control to balance Ida and Pingala, activating Sushumna for deep meditation and Samadhi.
Conscious Breath Control Techniques
Finger Control
Press the left nostril to activate Pingala (right nostril), or press the right nostril to activate Ida (left nostril).
Breath Retention (Kumbhaka)
Practicing Pranayama with retention can help switch Swaras at will and balance the energy channels.
Mantra Activation
"Haṁ Haṁ" activates Pingala, "Thaṁ Thaṁ" activates Ida, and "AUM" balances Sushumna.
By mastering the flow of breath and understanding its patterns, cycles, and applications, one can align with the cosmic rhythms and live a more balanced and harmonious life.
How to use Swara
Ida needs to be active during the day and during urinating , doing anything good , starting anything good .
5 Am to 5 pm ( Approximately )
Pingala needs to be active during the Evening and Night and during Defecation , and anything physically relevant like lifting weights, Running ,or aggreasive tasks .
5 Pm to 5 Am ( Approximately )
How to change - we can change any swara by closing the dominant nostril and brathing from the desired one for 2-5 minutes , Keeping your fist in the armpits of the dominant side -The one you wish to shift from , for 2-5 minutes will shift to the other or desired side easily
Example - if your dominant is right and you wish to shift it to the left then closing the right and breathing from the left side should shift it in 4-5 minutes
Stay Grateful
Practice it , Utilize it .
But please do not Share it unless you yourselves dont become an expert in it
. It would ideally take 2-3 years of daily practice to become and expert in daily practices of Swara.
In the next few classes we will learn how to create a swara calendar and integrate it with your Hora charts for faster results in Visualization.

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Mukeshmorwall

Holistic Wellness Coach

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