Breathing for Balance and Stability
Nadi Shodhanam: Alternate Nostril Breathing / Channel Purification
Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhanam) is a powerful yet soothing practice that supports emotional balance and steadiness from the inside out.
As many of you know, this is my go to, “never leave home without it” practice. It is that powerful, that balancing and harmonizing. Practicing on a daily basis is one of the best ways to increase resiliency and keep your internal reserves full.
Benefits:
Balances emotions and promotes stability
Calms and balances the nervous system
Provides relief from anxiety and depression
Creates clarity and focus in the mind, removing brain fog and exhaustion
Opens and harmonizes the energy channels (nadis) and prepares the mind for meditation
How to Practice:
Sit comfortably with head, neck & spine aligned (you can sit in a chair, or on the floor leaning against the wall)
Relax the body; establish smooth, deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Mudra (hand position):
Right hand: Thumb gently closes the right nostril. Ring finger gently closes the left nostril
Left hand: Rest on the thigh or knee, thumb touching index finger.
Steps - there are many versions. This is the easiest one to get started.
Inhale fully through both nostrils.
Close left nostril with ring finger: Exhale + inhale through the right nostril (3 full breaths).
Close right nostril with thumb: Ehale + inhale through the left nostril (3 full breaths).
Release hand, breathe through both nostrils (3 full breaths).
Pause afterwards and notice how you feel.