There are three main nadis in the body, which are responsible for the flow of energy. These are the pingala nadi, the ida nadi and the sushumna nadi. Of these, the pingala nadis is associated with the sun and is responsible for the flow of energy in the body. These subtle energy channels are said to be the pathway for the movement of kundalini energy in the body. Nadi shodhan pranayama is a breathing technique that helps to cleanse and purify these energy channels. The benefits of nadi shodhan pranayama are said to help balance the flow of energy in the body, calm the mind, and promote overall health and well-being.
Nadi shodhan pranayama involves both inhalation and exhalation through the nose. Using your right hand, close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale deeply through your left nostril. Then, using your ring finger, close your left nostril and exhale slowly through your right nostril. The middle fingers of both hands can be used to lightly close the space between your eyebrows (ajna chakra), which is said to help focus and concentrate the mind during the practice. Repeat this process for a few minutes, alternating between the left and right nostrils.
Continue this pattern of breathing, alternating between the left and right nostrils. As you practice nadi shodhan pranayama, focus your attention on your breath and the movement of energy in your body. Parasympathetic nervous systems is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. This helps to promote relaxation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve digestion. Nadi shodhan pranayama is said to help stimulate this nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and well-being.
The benefits of nadi shodhan pranayama are said to be many. This breathing technique is said to help balance the flow of energy in the body, calm the mind, and promote overall health and well-being. A pranayama practice can be a wonderful addition to your yoga practice or meditation practice. If you are new to pranayama, it is best to start with a few minutes of practice and gradually increase the time as you feel comfortable. It is also important to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits.
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Yoga practices can affect energy levels in different ways. Breathing practice is a great way to start your day, as it can help to energize the body and mind. Yoga teachers will often give their students a pranayama practice to do before class, as it can help to prepare the body and mind for the physical practice of yoga. With regular practice, you may find that your energy levels naturally increase and that you feel more alert and focused throughout the day.
Benefits of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
1. Improved Respiratory System
Breath retention is an integral part of this pranayama. The lungs get a good workout as they have to supply oxygen to the body for long periods of time. The diaphragm is also strengthened as it has to work harder during exhalation. This pranayama can help to improve the overall functioning of the respiratory system.
2. Reduced Stress Level
The muladhara chakra is located at the base of the spine and is said to be responsible for our survival instinct. This chakra is also said to be linked with the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response in the body. Nadi shodhan pranayama is said to help balance the muladhara chakra and promote the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and well-being.
3. Improved Digestion
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. When performed on an empty stomach, nadi shodhan pranayama can help to stimulate this nervous system and improve digestion.
4. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Alternate-nostril breathing is said to help improve cardiovascular health. This is because it helps to regulate the breath and heart rate. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
5. Cools Down The Body
Slow breathing and fresh oxygenated blood flowing to the brain have a cooling effect on the body. This is especially beneficial for people who tend to get overheated easily. The flow of air also helps to massage the internal organs and flush out toxins from the body.
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6. Reduces Insomnia
Nadi shodhan pranayama can help to reduce insomnia. This is because it helps to calm the mind and promote relaxation. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help to promote a restful night’s sleep.
7. Improves Concentration
The deep breathing involved in this pranayama helps to oxygenate the brain and improve concentration. It is also said to help balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This can help to improve cognitive function and memory.
8. Enhances Mindfulness
The present moment awareness that is cultivated through nadi shodhan pranayama can help to enhance mindfulness. The sanskrit word for mindfulness is smirti, which means “to remember.” This pranayama can help to bring the mind back to the present moment and improve focus and concentration.
9. Ease Mental Trauma
Vishnu mudra is a hand gesture that is often used in nadi shodhan pranayama. This mudra is said to help ease mental trauma and promote feelings of safety and security. It is also said to help balance the emotions and improve mental clarity.
10. Boosts Immunity
This pranayama is said to help improve the functioning of the immune system. The deep breathing involved in this pranayama helps to oxygenate the blood and promote the movement of lymph through the body. This can help to protect the body from infection and disease.
11. Improved Spiritual Energy
The central energy channel, or sushumna nadi, is said to be the pathway for kundalini energy. Nadi shodhan pranayama is said to help balance the energy channels in the body and promote the flow of kundalini energy. This can help to improve spiritual awareness and awakening.
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The health benefits of nadi shodhan pranayama are a powerful tool for promoting overall health and well-being. This accessible pranayama technique can be performed by anyone, regardless of experience level. It is a safe and effective way to improve the functioning of the mind and body. he best time to practice this pranayama is in the morning on an empty stomach. It can be performed seated or standing, and it is best to practice in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
For best results, practice nadi shodhan pranayama for 5-10 minutes each day. You can gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice. Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can explore more advanced variations.