Nadi shodhana pranayama alternate nostril breathing
NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA
(alternate nostril breathing)
Description:
A pranayama technique of alternating between each nostril as you inhale and exhale. In yogic belief, this breathing practice unblocks and purifies the ‘nadis’ (energy passages that carry life force and cosmic energy through the body).
Method:
At the end of asana sequence (typically, but you can do anytime), sit comfortably with spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
Place left hand on left knee with palm facing to sky or in chin mudra.
Bring the right hand to the front of the face in a gentle fist, then take the thumb to the right nostril and the ring finger to the left nostril. We will use the thumb to close and open the right nostril and the ring and little finger to close and open the left.
Go ahead and gently close your right nostril and inhale through your left. Close your left nostril and exhale through your right.
Do the same on the other side. This completes one cycle.
Complete 9 rounds of this, take long, deep, smooth breaths without force or effort. Exhalation should be longer than inhalation.
Benefits:
• Helps to harmonise right and left hemispheres of the brain
• Releases accumulated stress, and calms and centres the mind
• Over time, increases breath holding time
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Regulates parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
Related
{Simple breathing exercises that will change your life}
{Breathe well to live well}
Categories
#yoga
#stress_management
%healthyhints
235944 - 2023-07-18 00:27:56