We quite often practice alternate nostril breathing in our Prenatal Yoga classes and begin to introduce this breathing technique with our kids classes as they get a little older. Known as “nadi shodhana“, this breath aims to balance the prana (energy) flow throughout the body. This breath uses both hemispheres of the brain, engaging them throughout. It is thought that the right nostril is connected with the left hemisphere of the brain and the left nostril with the right hemisphere of the brain. By alternating the breath through each nostril it can bring harmony between the two hemispheres and invites relaxation, reduces stress, can help with insomnia and can also improve concentration.
To begin find a comfortable seated position and give your body permission to relax. Take a few deep cleansing breaths and when you are ready to begin follow the steps below.
- Using the thumb of the right hand lightly block off the right nostril and exhale through the left. Then take a full inhalation through the left nostril keeping the right side closed.
- Release the thumb from the right nostril.
- Using the baby and ring finger of the right hand (you can fold the middle and index finger gently in towards the palm of the hand so they are out of the way) gently close off the left nostril and exhale through the right. Then take a full inhalation through the right nostril keeping the left side closed.
- Release the baby and ring finger from the right nostril.
- Repeat steps 1-4
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