Balance Your Nervous System With Nadi Shodhana

Nadi Shodhana Also Known As Alternate Nostril Breathing

This breathing technique has also been called sun-moon breath, literally meaning “purifying the energy channels.” The left nostril represents the moon, the yin side of the body. This relates to an inward focus of feminine energy that is cooling, receiving, and calming. The right nostril is masculine, yang energy, representing the sun that relates to warming, giving, and an outward approach to the world. This exercise assist with the subtle body, cleansing and purifying the idea and pingala nadis. Also helping balance the left and right side of the brain, calming the nervous system for overall vibrant health.

Preparatory Teachnique

  1. To begin, find a comfortable seat: hold your spine and head upright

  2. Bend your first two fingers into your palm

  3. Use your ring finger to regulate the passage of air through the left nostril, use your thumb to regulate the passage of air through your right nostril

  4. Exhale through both nostrils, allow the breath to be slow and deliberate ideally with no sound

  5. To practice a steady breath, place your finger underneath your nostrils, as you inhale feel no air, as you exhale feel a soft breeze brushing up against your finger. Notice the subtle sensation in and out through your nose.

 

Breathing Technique One

  1. Practice the preparatory technique using your normal breathing, be aware of each breath.

  2. Relax; do not control your inhale or exhale

  3. Seal off your right nostril with your thumb, inhale through your left nostril

  4. Exhale through your left nostril, repeat your inhale and exhale through the left nostril, taking five complete breaths.

  5. Seal off your left nostril with the ring finger: inhale through your right nostril

  6. Exhale through your right nostril; repeat your inhale and exhale through the right nostril, taking five complete breaths

  7. Relax and move your hand into your lap, take five natural breaths through both nostrils.

 

Nadi Shodhana Breathing Technique Two

  1. Seal off your right nostril with the thumb; inhale slowly through your left nostril

  2. Seal off your left nostril with the ring finger exhale slowly through your right nostril

  3. Inhale through your right

  4. Reseal your right nostril, exhale through your left nostril

  5. Finish each round by exhaling through your left nostril

  6. This will help with any excess heat that may accumulate in your body.