Alternate Nostril Breathing

Breath awareness is an important aspect of the meditation process. Alternate nostril breathing is a specific type of breathing technique to regulate the breath between the right and left nostrils, and create a balance between the right and left brain.

Transcript

Alternate nostril breathing is a type of pranayama that regulates the breath flow between the right and the left nostrils,

Also known as the pingala and ida channels that represent solar and lunar energy.

Place the hand in nasika mudra,

Bend the second and third fingers towards the palm while outstretching the thumb,

Ring and pinky fingers.

The thumb is used to close the right nostril while the ring finger closes the left nostril.

Alternate nostril pranayama always begins with the left nostril.

While one nostril is closed,

You exhale.

After every exhalation,

Take a deep inhale,

Close that nostril and exhale out the opposite nostril.

Begin by closing the right nostril with the thumb and exhale fully out of the left nostril.

Inhale deeply and then close the left nostril with the ring finger and exhale fully out of the right nostril.

Inhale deeply and then close the right nostril with the thumb and exhale fully out of the left nostril.

This is one cycle.

Keep repeating the exhale followed by an inhale.

Close the nostril and exhale out the opposite nostril.

Go at your own pace following the rhythm of your breath.

Do not feel rushed or any sense of dis-ease.

Let the breath be relaxed and full.

Keep repeating the alternate nostril breathing until you are given instructions to stop.

Finish by exhaling out the left nostril.

Release the mudra or hand gesture.

Now let the breath come back to normal.

Keep the eyes closed and simply observe the effect of your breathing practice.

What changes do you notice in the body,

In the mind,

In your being?

Observe from a place without any judgment.

Notice the feeling of quiet spaciousness within the mind.

Feel that inner stillness at the depth of your being.

Enjoy the state of peacefulness,

Serenity,

Tranquility.

Stand in silence and enjoy the effect of alternate nostril breathing.

Thank you.

Reviews

A wonderful explanation of the technique. Thank you.

I need to do this every day. Thank you for sharing this practice. It helped my sinuses and cleared a path to my third eye chakra. Namaste

extremely helpful

Thank you Anisha- I’ve been using this technique for a long time- I love it 🙏

Left me feeling at peace after a long day!

My favorite breathing technique.Calming and relaxing. Instantly helps with anxiety and stress. Thank you for your teaching.