The breathing technique I’m obsessed with: Alternate Nostril Breathing
Hi friends!
Today I want to share with you why I am so obsessed with this ancient breathing technique called Nadi Shodhana (AKA Alternate Nostril Breathing).
But first, let’s translate these two Sanskrit words to the English language. The word “Nadi” translates to "channel" or “flow” and the word "Shodhana" translates to "purification." The literal translation of Nadi Shodhana is purification of channels.
According to Tantric Texts, there are about 72,000 channels of energy or “Nadis” in the human body. These nadis are energetic and subtle, meaning that they cannot be seen under a microscope, but they are always at work. When the energy that flows through these channels is obstructed, we might feel sluggish and unmotivated, but when the energy flows freely , we feel energized and motivated.
Nadi Shodhona has been around for many years and it makes me so happy to know that this practice is gaining popularity in the western culture. I personally love this breathing technique for the calming and grounding effects it gives me when I feel stressed and overwhelmed. I love knowing that practicing this breathing technique helps regulate the flow of energy between the systematic (left brain) and creative (right brain) part of me. I incorporate this practice before my meditation in the mornings and sometimes mid-day when I need a quick pick me up. I am thankful to have found this practice a few years ago and know that I have access to it anytime that I feel anxious, scattered and stressed out.
If you are not fully sold if this is for you, maybe the following benefits will convince you?
Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique:
reduces stress and anxiety
fosters clarity of mind.
reenergizes body and mind
restores the harmony of right and left brain.
harmonizes yin and yang energies.
slows down heart rate .
regulates blood pressure.
improves lung function
Are you ready to practice? Feel free to check out this video on my IGTV for instructions or simply read along. I recommend washing your hands before you touch your face and doing 5-10 rounds of this breathing technique. Give it a go and let me know how it goes.
Sit comfortably with a tall spine and your eyes closed.
Bring your right palm in front of your face.
Place your right thumb on your right nostril.
Invite your peace making fingers (index and middle finger) between your eyebrows— your third eye.
Hover your ring finger and pinky finger above your left nostril.
Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Exhale out of the left nostril. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale.
Keep the left nostril open and inhale through the left nostril. Pause for a second at the top of the inhale.
Close the left nostril and exhale out of the right nostril. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale.
Keep the right nostril open and inhale through the right nostril. Pause for a second at the top of the inhale
Close the right nostril and exhale out of the left. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale. This is one round: do 5- 10 total rounds.
I hope this serves you,
G
Disclaimer: There are no known adverse effects to practicing alternate nostril breathing but as always please consult your doctor if you suffer from any cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
