ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

1. Sit in Easy Pose or another meditative seated position.

2. Make a "U" with the thumb and index finger of the right hand.

3. Close the left nostril with the right index finger, inhale deeply through the right nostril.

4. At the end of the inhale, close the right nostril with the right thumb and exhale through the left nostril.

5. Now inhale through the left nostril fully and deeply, then close the left nostril and exhale through the right one.

6. Inhale again through the right nostril and continue alternate nostril breathing. The breath must be complete and full on both the inhalation and exhalation cycles.

3 - 5 minutes

To End

1. Inhale deeply, hold the breath for a few seconds, lower the hand, and exhale.

Comments

Relax and enjoy a feeling of well-being! The energy of the nervous system is directly proportional to one's breathing. The Creator in His wisdom gave us two nostrils.

Ancient yogic texts explain that the nostril on the right is our sun nostril and it controls our energy level; our left nostril is our lunar nostril and it controls our emotions. Consequently if we are tired, breathing long and deep through the right nostril will give us added energy. Breathing through the left nostril will bring us calmness even in the midst of emotions (anger, nervousness, joy, sadness).

When we breathe long and deeply, through alternate nostrils, the whole nervous system is soothed, calmed and energised simultaneously. All that is required of a person is to do this alternate nostril breathing for 3–5 minutes and his or her whole nervous system will be revitalsed.

This particular technique is very simple; yet very effective. It is extremely helpful when we feel off-center and we still must function in the everyday world. For instance, we may be scheduled for an important interview, or business endeavor and find ourselves extremely nervous or irritable. This technique can help us calm ourselves and be effective in our communication.