Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhan Pranayama)

Over the last few weeks we’ve spoken a lot about various relaxation techniques. Another technique that I wanted to share with you is Nadi Shodan Pranayama or alternate nostril breathing. Alternate nostril breathing is a breathing technique that helps calm the mind and soothe the nervous system. It also improves brain function as each side of the brain receives equal amounts of oxygen and cleanses your lungs.

• Sitting in a comfortable position, place the thumb of your right hand on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril, resting your index and middle finger on the bridge of your nose.
• Slowly inhale through the left nostril closing the right with the thumb.
• Exhale through your right nostril. You will find that your exhale will be longer than your exhale.
• Repeat 3 times to begin with then gradually increase to 9/10 times as you become more comfortable with the technique.

This is a great technique to use before meditation as it really calms and relaxes your mind.