Intro to Pranayama: Alternate-Nostril Breathing
Intro to Pranayama: Part II
Nodi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is the first of several techniques we’ll cover in the “Intro to Pranayama” series.
The sanskrit phrase breaks down into two parts: nadi, meaning channel (flow), and shodhana, meaning purification. Together, the phrase highlights how we can use the breath to help clear the subtle energy channels that exist within the body and mind.
This practice also helps to restore homeostasis (balance) by emphasizing nostril breathing; mouth breathing signals the body that we’re in a state of stress, but nostril breathing activates the part of the nervous system that brings us back into a state of ease, or sukha. It also restores balance to yin and yang, the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and even balances the cooling and heating energies within the body. Cool, huh?
Benefits:
Improves focus and calms the mind
Reduces stress and anxiety through vagus nerve activation
Relaxes the body and brings balance to the nervous system
Clears energetic channels in the mind and body
Promotes restful sleep by calming the system
Supports the respiratory and circulatory systems
Helps to prepare for meditation
In the video below, we’ll explore Nodi Shodhana. This video is a quick introduction, so once you’ve got the hang of this particular technique, try to practice for 3-5 minutes every night for a week to see how you feel. Once you’re comfortable with 3-5 minutes, try extending to 10 minutes for a week, and so on, until you feel comfortable practicing without a time limit.
Some days, your body might call for only a few minutes of this particular breathing technique, and some days you might find that an hour has flown by. It’s all exactly what you need.
Tip: set a timer on your phone so you’re not tempted to glance around to see how long you’ve been practicing. ;)
Try it out and let us know how it goes in the comments!
Not sure what pranayama is? Check out the Intro to Pranayama post to learn more about pranayama, the benefits, and how to use it.
Alternate Nostril Breathing demonstration. Try it with me!
