Your Guide to Alternate Nostril Breathing

Any yoga practitioner knows that breathing is an essential part of any asana. Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga that can be translated as “breath control.” Yogis believe that the breath and the mind are interconnected — a steady and fluid breath will calm your nervous system and slow down your racing mind. A fast, fragmented and irregular breath will result in a chaotic and uneasy state of mind.

There are many pranayama techniques, each with its own purpose and benefits. In this article, I’ll talk about one of my favorites: alternate nostril breathing.

This technique is called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama in Sanskrit, which means “the purification of the nerves.” Nadi refers to a channel in the body, like an artery or vein, through which energy, or prana, flows. Shodhana means purifying or cleansing.

Use this pranayama to calm and purify the nerves, de-stress and refresh your body and clear your mind.

Instructions

1. Sit in a comfortable position and rest your hands on your knees.
2. Starting with your right hand, bend your index and middle finger, while leaving the other three fingers upright.
3. With your thumb, lightly press your right nostril until it’s closed.
4. Slowly inhale only through your left nostril.
5. Hold the breath and release the right nostril while pressing…

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By Aimeé Durán Triujeque; All Rights Reserved @2022