Nadi = subtle energy channel; Shodhana = cleaning, purification.
Nadis are subtle energy channels in the human body that can get blocked due to various reasons. The Nadi Shodhana pranayama is a breathing technique that helps clear these blocked energy channels, thus calming the mind. This technique is also known as Anulom Vilom pranayama.
So among many other things, the purpose is to purify or clear the channels of the subtle and physical body. For each of us, every 90 minutes or so, we will have alternating nostril dominance. This means that whichever nostril is dominant has some effect on your nervous system and brain are more stimulated, affecting your clarity of mind and general capacity to function in different ways.
In addition to carrying a larger supply of oxygen to the blood than regular breathing, Nadi Shodhana soothes the nerves, helps to still the mind, and balances the subtle energy of the body. While there are many types of pranayama and ways in which we can guide the breath to achieve specific effects, Nadi Shodhana can be accessed by almost anyone and effective for the stresses of every day life.
Perform this breath in the morning on an empty stomach, or it can also be helpful any time of the day. This type of breath, when performed consistently, can have a substantial effect on the nervous system and improving general wellbeing.
Nadī Shodhana, rhythmically isolates the right nostril, which connects to the Pingala Nadi channel, and the left nostril, which connects to the Ida Nadi channel. “The left nostril is associated with the receptive/yin/lunar/feminine principle, and the right is associated with the projective/yang/solar/masculine principle.”. At any point in time, one Nadi is always more dominant than the other. When someone is busy at work, their Pingala Nadi would be more active, for example.
Alternating breath between the two nostrils is thought to promote balance through the body’s midline and these two Nadis, which can be compared to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system in Western medicine. When we balance the breath through these two channels, we balance the self. This typically has a calming effect on the nervous system, further supporting any healing process.
Cause of Obstruction in the Nadis:
- Nadis can get blocked on account of stress
- Toxicity in the physical body also leads to blockage of nadisù
- Nadis can get blocked due to physical and mental trauma
- Unhealthy lifestyle
What Happens When these Nadis are Blocked?
Ida, Pingala and Sushumna are three of the most important nadis in the human body. When the Ida nadi is not functioning smoothly or is blocked, one experiences cold, depression, low mental energy and sluggish digestion, blocked left nostril. Whereas when the Pingala nadi is not smoothly functioning or is blocked, one will experience heat, quick temper and irritation, itching body, dry skin and throat, excessive appetite, excessive physical or sexual energy, and blocked right nostril.
How to practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama:
Sit comfortably.
Bring the Right hand into Vishnu Mudra (thumb to the Right nostril, ring and pinky fingers to Left, index and middle finger folded and resting at the base of the thumb)
Exhale completely
Block the Right nostril and inhale through Left nostril
Release Right nostril and exhale
Block Left nostril and inhale Right
Release Left nostril and exhale
This completes 1 full cycle
Repeat 10-12 cycles
Benefits of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
- Excellent breathing technique to calm and center the mind. Alternating our fingers to focus the breath on a specific nostril allows us to tune in a easier way my attention inward and ground down more quickly.
- Our mind has a tendency to keep regretting or glorifying the past and getting anxious about the future. Nadi Shodhana pranayama helps to bring the mind back to the present moment. For this reason, It can be a valuable tool for deepening self-awareness prior to meditation
- Works therapeutically for most circulatory and respiratory problems. Some studies have found that 30 minutes of alternate nostril breathing a day for four weeks had a positive effect on the cardiorespiratory activity of healthy subjects. It reduced their pulse rate, respiratory rate, and diastolic blood pressure, signalling that it sent their bodies into a more relaxed state.
- Releases accumulated stress in the mind and body effectively and helps to relax.
- Helps to be focused, to be centered
- Helps harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which correlates to the logical and emotional sides of our personality. Well-being requires balance—balance between the yin and yang, active and passive principles, being and doing, resting and working. Holistic healing is about balancing these dualistic forces in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the self. When we practice alternate nostril breathing, we are balancing the self through the left and right nostril.
- Helps purify and balance the nadis – the subtle energy channels, thereby ensuring a smooth flow of prana (life force) through the body.
- Maintains body temperature.
- High blood pressure/ Hypertension is also overcome by Nadi shodan
- It is helpful in reducing weight.
- Blockage in the heart is removed by this pranayama tecnique.
- Complaints of migraine pain are also relieved.
- This pranayama is beneficial in removing constipation or acidity.
- Nadi shodan Pranayama is very beneficial for asthma patients.
- Many types of allergies are also overcome by this pranayama tecnique.
