Nadi Shodhana Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing is a very simple, yet extremely effective breathing technique that helps to restore the balance between the mind, the body, and your emotions,
The underlying belief behind this practice is that we have energy channels in our body that might be blocked due to a host of factors, such as stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle. This might later manifest as mental and physical health problems such as depression, cold, sluggishness, digestion issues, itchiness, and so on. This breathing technique is said to clear out these energy channels, thus helping you to return to your normal healthy state.
Benefits of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
If you have been feeling anxious because of all that’s been going on lately, trying this will help you to control those uneasy thoughts that must be running amok. The Nadi Shodhana Pranayama helps to silence the mind, reduces stress, and also makes meditation easier.
Whether you have a presentation at work or can’t sleep at night because you’re feeling too restless, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is the key to reaching ultimate calmness and it is undoubtedly one of the best ways to turn on the body’s best defenses against stressors around you.
Have a test coming up but can’t concentrate on your studies? We recommend that you give this breathing technique a try right before study time. Not only will it sharpen your mind, preparing it to be more attentive, but it will also make enhance your ability to study for longer periods of time.
Don’t Commit These Mistakes
Many people commit the mistake of breathing too deeply or too fast while practising Nadi Shodana Pranayama. It is important that you do not inhale air forcefully; instead, it is to be done in a gentle and natural manner. The same goes for putting pressure on your forehead and nose with your fingers while you’re practising this breathing technique. Gentle and light is the way to go. Also breathing through the mouth reduces its effectiveness so you need to be extremely cautious about it.
Trying out the different breathing techniques before meditation sessions or between yoga asanas is the perfect way to find your center during these difficult times. It is recommended that you talk to a yoga teacher or guide so that you can know if you are doing it right.