Alternate nostril breathing - how and why

🧘‍♀️ Introduction to Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Today, we’ll explore a deeply centering breath practice known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, or Nadi Shodhana. This is a traditional pranayama technique that helps to balance the energy channels in the body, calm the nervous system, and bring clarity to the mind.

“Nadi” means channel, and “Shodhana” means purification — so this breath is essentially a cleansing of the subtle energy pathways.

🌿 How to Practice:

1. Sit comfortably with a tall spine and relaxed shoulders.

2. Bring your right hand into Vishnu Mudra (fold the index and middle fingers toward the palm).

3. Gently close your right nostril with your thumb.

4. Inhale slowly through your left nostril.

5. Close the left nostril with your ring finger, release the right nostril.

6. Exhale gently through the right nostril.

7. Inhale through the right nostril.

8. Close the right nostril, release the left.

9. Exhale through the left nostril.

That completes one full round. You can continue for 5 to 10 rounds, moving at a slow, unhurried pace.

🌸 Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing:

• Balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain (logic and intuition).

• Calms the nervous system and helps relieve stress and anxiety.

• Supports mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability.

• Helps regulate the body’s energy, bringing a sense of groundedness and presence.

• Prepares the mind for meditation or stillness.

This practice is especially helpful before beginning a meditation, or anytime you need to return to a state of calm clarity.