In our journey through life, we are continually seeking equilibrium—finding that sweet harmony between exertion and relaxation. This quest for balance mirrors a yoga practice, where we aim to harmonize the right and left aspects of our body and the cerebral hemispheres of our brain.
When you sense a shift away from balance and feel that equilibrium wavering, I invite you to explore the ancient technique of Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril Breathing. This easy and powerful practice is a bridge between your outer life and pure consciousness. In just 4 -10mins of this practice, you can experience a profound sense of calm, equilibrium, and ease washing over you.
Let Nadi Shodhana be your tool and ally in restoring balance amidst the ebb and flow of life's changes.
Nadi = Energy Channel
Shodhana = To cleanse or purify
In classical Indian texts, Nadi Shodhana is described as one of the first classical pranayama techniques that cleanses and purifies energy. It clears two of the main nadis (energy channels), Ida and Pingala, which correlate to the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Nadi Shodhona is known to:
- Revitalise Energy
- Release energetic blockages/imbalances
- Achieve a balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic nervous systems (rest and digest)
- Be one of the best pranayama techniques to prepare for meditation, as well as more advanced pranayama and kriya practices by purifying and regulating these nadis so we do not experience pranic (energetic) imbalance by stronger subsequent practices.
Longer breaths may calm the heart rate and lower blood pressure
How to practice Nadi Shodhona
STEP 1
POSTURE
To practice, find a comfortable seat with a neutral spine. We love using the meditation set, as it’s the total package for comfort and support during seated meditation and pranayama ( yogic breath) practice.
The left hand can relax on the knee in Chin/Jnana mudra.
step 2
The index and Middle fingers of the Right hand are at the brow center (nasagra mudra), leaving the thumb and ring finger free to control the breath moving through the right and left nostrils
step 3
Beginning with equal inhale and exhalation of 4 counts. Close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale through the left 4 counts
STEP 4
Close the left nostril with the ring finger, release the pressure of the thumb on the right nostril, and breathe out through the right nostril 4 counts
step 5
Next, inhale through the right nostril (4 counts)
step 6
Close the right nostril and breathe out through the left nostril. (4 counts). This is one round, continue this sequence (from step 1).
step 7
When to practice
- Before meditation
- Before relaxation practices.
- Practice before breakfast to clear and balance your energy for the day ahead
- Practice in the evening to balance the energy of the day and to calm the mind before bed
Contraindications
While this practice is safe for most people, if you have asthma or COPD, you may find it harder to take longer breaths, so work with your comfort and keep your inhaler close by if you use one. If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition, please seek the advice of a respiratory specialist before taking part in this practice.
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Angela Knight
Calm Buddhi Creator, Yoga and Meditation Teacher