In my last post, I talked about the science of pranayama and its effects on the human physiology and psychology. Through this post, I will share with you all a specific technique of pranayama that I have practiced myself in the past. This technique has benefited me and will do the same for anyone who practices it diligently. These benefits are improved concentration, calmness in the mind and body, an increase in body energy and many other countless benefits that you will only realize once start practicing it regularly . So let’s get to it!
- Close your left nostril using the ring finger of your right hand and take a deep breath in through your right nostril. You do not have to breathe forcefully. Just breathe normally but deeply.
- After taking a deep breath from your right nostril, close the right nostril using the thumb of your right hand and open the left nostril by removing your ring finger. Breathe out gently but completely.
- Now take another deep breath in using your left nostril while keeping the right nostril closed with the thumb.
- Now close the left nostril using the ring finger and open the right nostril by removing the thumb. Breathe out gently but deeply.
These 5 steps lead to one cycle of what is known as the Nadi Shodhana pranayama or alternate nostril breathing technique. Repeat this cycle 6-7 times, twice a day and it will do great benefits to your body. The best time to practice this technique is in the morning when one has an empty stomach after getting up and in the evening before having dinner.
The name Nadi Shodhana pranayama means purification of Nadis, which are nervous channels in our bodies that carry electrical impulses and other vital energies that sustain the body. Nadi Shodhana pranayama purifies the nervous channels in the human body leading to a better energy flow overall, because of which the body becomes healthy overtime.
The right and left nostrils are connected to the left and right brain of our body respectively. Furthermore, our nostrils are actually the endings of our nerve channels that run throughout our body.
Try this simple technique for a few days and tell me about your experience in the comments. There are many variations to this technique which are adpoted by advanced practitioners. For beginners, this technique helps build strength in the lungs so that one can move to harder practices.