Nadi Shodhan Pranayama: Because balancing your life is important, but balancing your nostril airflow is the real game-changer!
If balancing life is art then Nadi-Shodhan Pranayama is the right tool to make your work of art marvelous! If you are someone, looking for a quick fix for a peaceful life then this blog is for you. Let’s move further and discover “Nadi Shodhan Pranayama: How To Do And Its Benefits”.
What Is Nadi Shodhan Pranayama?
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is a powerful method of yogic breathing that concentrates on detoxifying and balancing the body’s nadis, or subtle energy channels. “Nadi” means “flow” or “channel,” and “shodhan” means “cleansing” or “purifying.” By using this method, we hope to remove any obstructions and establish a smooth energy flow throughout our entire being. Let’s see how Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is performed.
How To Do Nadi Shodhan Pranayama?
To practise Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, you just need to follow the steps mentioned below.
- Preparation:
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to settle into a state of calmness. Place your left hand on your left knee, with the palm facing upward.
- Mudra:
Bring your right hand near your face. Use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril. Rest your ring and little fingers lightly on your left nostril.
- Alternate Nostril Breathing:
Begin by closing your right nostril with your thumb and inhaling slowly and deeply through your left nostril. Once your inhalation is complete, close your left nostril with your ring and little fingers, and exhale through your right nostril. Inhale through your right nostril, then close it with your thumb and exhale through your left nostril. This completes one round. Repeat this process for several rounds, maintaining a smooth and steady breath.
- Rhythm and Awareness:
Focus on the natural rhythm of your breath as you alternate between the nostrils. Be fully present, feeling the air entering and leaving your body. Maintain a relaxed and comfortable pace throughout the practice.
Now that you understand the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama Steps, let’s see how this practice benefits and contributes to our wellbeing.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama offers a wide range of benefits for our overall well-being. Here are some notable advantages of this practice
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama Benefits
There are plenty of benefits of Nadi shodhan pranayama. One can access the benefits by regular practice and consistency. Below are the ways in which Nadi Shodhan Pranayama can help.
- It reduces stress and calms the nervous system.
- It improves mental clarity, focus, and concentration.
- This pranayama technique enhances respiratory function and lung capacity.
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayama balances energy channels and promotes the flow of vital energy.
- It cleanses and detoxifies the body, supporting natural detox processes.
- The practice fosters emotional balance and stability.
- It helps improve sleep quality and aids in relaxation.
Precautions and Considerations
While Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is generally safe for most individuals, it’s essential to keep the following precautions in mind:
- If you have any respiratory conditions or recent nasal surgeries, consult a healthcare professional before practising Nadi Shodhan Pranayama.
- Practice with gentleness and avoid any forceful breathing. The breath should be smooth, steady, and comfortable.
- If you feel lightheaded or dizzy during the practice, slow down or discontinue the technique. Listen to your body and adjust the pace accordingly.
Nadi Shodhan vs Anulom Vilom
Nadishodhan Pranayam and Anulom Vilom might look similar but there is a difference between both and it is due to the retention part.
In Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, after inhaling through one nostril, the breath is held for a moment before exhaling through the other nostril. This retention allows for a moment of balance and connection between the inhalation and exhalation.
In Anulom Vilom Pranayama, the focus is on the alternating inhalation and exhalation through the nostrils without any breath retention. The breath flows in a continuous pattern, moving freely between the nostrils.
Both practices have their distinct benefits and can be incorporated into a pranayama practice based on individual preferences and needs.
Bottomline
As we conclude our exploration of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, take a moment to appreciate the transformative power of this practice. By incorporating this ancient breathing technique into your daily routine, you can tap into the flow of harmony within yourself, purifying the energy channels and finding a sense of equilibrium. So, inhale the serenity, exhale the distractions, and let Nadi Shodhan Pranayama guide you on a path of inner balance and well-being. Happy breathing!
Resources:
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.9_Issue.10_Oct2019/7.pdf
Mr. Vijay Kumar Pandey is an eminent Yoga teacher with 15 years of experience. He excelled himself in Iyengar Yoga under the guidance of revered master BKS Iyengar Read More