Balance Your Nervous System with Alternate Nostril Breath

Alternate nostril breathing, or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, is a powerful and balancing yogic breathing technique that offers tremendous benefits for both the mind and body. It’s an amazing practice that can be done virtually anywhere, and is fantastic for both energizing and calming down the body. The magic behind it lies in its ability to balance excess energy while simultaneously nurturing and filling in where energy is depleted.

Here’s a brief exploration of this practice and some of the scientific studies that support its advantages:

What is Nadi Shodhana Pranayama?

This ancient practice involves inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils, which is believed to bring balance to the left and right sides of the brain. By gently closing one nostril at a time, the breath is guided through the open nostril, and then the process is repeated on the opposite side. Imagine the breath coming in one side, up and over and out the other like in the shape of the letter “U”.

Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing

1. Reduced anxiety and stress: A study published in the International Journal of Yoga (2016) revealed that practicing Nadi Shodhana Pranayama helped reduce anxiety levels among participants.
2. Improved respiratory function: A 2018 study from the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine showed that alternate nostril breathing can improve lung function and respiratory endurance.
3. Enhanced cognitive function: The International Journal of Yoga (2018) published a study demonstrating the positive effects of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama on cognitive functions, such as memory and processing speed.

Incorporating alternate nostril breathing into your daily routine can be an excellent way to experience these benefits firsthand. It’s a simple practice that can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Let’s give it a try!