Regular alternate nostril breathing, Nadi-Sodhana, is the most important practice for keeping our pranas in balance.

Nadi-sodhana brings balance to the two main channels through which prana flows, ida and pingala (the left and right prana currents).    The left side, ida, is the cool, moon, feminine side which promotes emotion and love.  The right side, pingala, is the hot, sun, male energy which promotes discrimination and reason.

Regular nadi-sodhana practice not only than keeps these energies in balance, but also purifies the body and mind.  By harmonizing the pranas, levels of stress and anxiety are reduced and vitality is increases.  For this reason, nadi-sodhana is great for those engaged in mental work, or as a prescription for depression.

Simple Instructions For Nadi Sodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing

To begin nadi-sodhana:

Sit in a comfortable position with the spine lengthened upward.  Left hand takes chin mudhra and the right hand Vishnu mudhra.

Inhale thru the left nostril

pause

Exhale thru the right nostril

pause

Inhale through the right nostril

pause

Exhale thru the left nostril

Pause

Inhale thru the left nostril

pause

Repeat

Slowly work up to 10-15 minutes.

• The duration of rehaka (inhale), pooraka(exhale) and kumbhaka (hold) can be to the same ratio.

• Changing the duration of breath with affect the mind.

Enjoy this pranayama at the end of your next yoga practice and/or before a quiet meditation practice.  Be bathed in its healing gifts!