Nadi Sodhana Pranayama

(Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Alternate nostril breathing is balancing, calming, anti-anxiety, and very relaxing.

Place the right hand in Vishnu Mudra (forefinger and middle finger bent towards the palm; thumb, ring, and pinkie in the air). To do one round: close off right nostril with the thumb and inhale into the left nostril; close left nostril with ring and pinkie fingers, open the right nostril and exhale through the right, then inhale into the right nostril; close the right nostril, open the left, and exhale through the left nostril. Continue, doing 5-20 rounds. It is also referred to as "Channel-clearing Breath," Alternate Nostril Breathing is a commonly-used breathing technique, or Pranayama. It encourages deep relaxation because it is believed to balanced the left and right sides of the brain while calming the nervous system. It relieves anxiety and quiets an unsettled mind. For this reason, it is recommend before bedtime

Benefits

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama helps to calm and steadies the mind, improves focus and concentration. Stimulates calming centers of the brain. Opens the naḍis (energy channels); removes blockages from them and facilitates free flow of energy throughout the body. Improves blood supply to brain.

Video Demonstration & How to Practice It