•  
A+ A A-

Nadi Shodhana: Breathe to Calm Your Mind

Nadi Shodhana: Breathe to Calm Your Mind

Today we’re going to embark on a journey into India – to learn a powerful breathing practice called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama that’s easy to do.

It will calm your heart and quiet your mind…

The technique is called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing. In Sanskrit, the word “Nadi” means channel or flow, the word “Shodhana” means clarifying or purifying, and “Pranayama” means to take control of one’s breath.

During this practice, you’ll experience a sense of peace almost immediately. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Studies indicate that, over time, it can improve cardiovascular health and lung function, as it balances your heart rate. This in turn reduces your stress, which we know is good for overall physical and mental health. There is also strong evidence that alternate nostril breathing improves brain function.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama has a long history in yoga and ayurvedic medicine as a reliable way to achieve mental, physical, and emotional balance.

For me, it’s a go-to when I’m stressed.

And it’s safe for just about anyone.

Unless you have a serious cardiovascular condition like COPD or asthma, you can do it right now with no fear. (And if you do have a condition, it’s probably still safe, but ask your doctor first.)

What have you got to lose? Here’s how to do it:

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

  1.   Find a comfortable chair, floor cushion, or mat. Sit up as straight as you can, but don’t strain. This is not a yoga pose.
  2.   Let your left-hand rest gently in your lap. Bring your right hand up to your face.
  3.   Place the index and middle fingers of your raised hand lightly against the space between your eyebrows.
  4.   Close your eyes.
  5.   Take a nice, long, easy deep breath through your nose – inhale then exhale.
  6.   Close your right nostril with your thumb, and then inhale slowly through your left nostril.
  7.   At the top of your in-breath, close your left nostril with your ring finger, so that both of your nostrils are closed.
  8.   Pause for a moment.
  9.   Release your thumb from your right nostril and exhale (keep your left nostril closed).
  10. Pause again for a moment.
  11. Now reverse the process. Breathe in slowly and steadily through your right nostril. At the top of the in-breath, close up both nostrils again, pause, and then release your out-breath through your left nostril.
  12. Pause again. Repeat the breathing process, alternating nostrils. Do this several times, slowly and mindfully.

Here is an illustration with the basic positions:

Nadi Shodhana: Breathe to Calm Your Mind

Well? What do you think? If you did this practice even for just a few minutes, you probably feel more relaxed.

Am I right?

Take a few minutes and try this whenever you need to calm your mind, and then share it with friends. Better yet, share it with enemies (or people you disagree with)!

Stay curious,

Nick Polizzi
Host of Remedy: Ancient Medicine for Modern Illness
& Founder of The Sacred Science

Credit

Sacred Science

Nick Polizzi is the founder of The Sacred Science, a website and blog dedicated to explorations of alternative healing modalities and indigenous healing traditions. His work stems from a calling to honor, preserve and protect the ancient knowledge and rituals of indigenous peoples around the world. He has spent his career directing and producing feature-length documentaries about holistic alternatives to conventional medicine. His work illustrates the power we humans possess to overcome the many challenges that life can bring when we own our truth.

Posted on CrystalWind.ca ©2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction of content is prohibited without written permission. The article's title was created by CrystalWind.ca.

Pin It

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below! Scroll down to comment

Keep CrystalWind.ca free—your gift matters now!
Help us spread light today. Thank you, supporters!

Follow this blog

Disclaimer Health

All post and information provided within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. Any products or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any illness, disease or lifestyle. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this website.

 

Featured Writers

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at .

Let’s grow together!

The Crystal Wind Oracle App
Shatter Illusions – Gain Clarity Now!
Instant Access On:
Apple | Android | Amazon
New! 53-Card Deck for Deeper Wisdom

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!

Support CrystalWind.ca Today!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

Quake Watch

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

 

Who is Online Now

We have 53698 guests and no members online

Featured This Month

Page:

Taurus Mythology

Taurus Mythology

The Taurus Myth The story of Taurus is most vividly tied to the tale of Zeu... Read more

Kunzite

Kunzite

The Love Commitment Stone Kunzite has a pronounced calming effect on the he... Read more

The Time of No Time: Beltane!

The Time of No Time: Beltane!

Around the medicine wheel of life we go, from season to season (solstice to ... Read more

Bright Beltane Blessings!

Bright Beltane Blessings!

The wheel turns to Beltane, also known as Mayday, marking the beginning of S... Read more

The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck

The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck

The Crystal Wind Oracle™ The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card D... Read more

The Seven Chakras and their Meanings

The Seven Chakras and their Meanings

If you could imagine chakras as circles of energy, flowing all the way throu... Read more

Beltane

Beltane

Beltane Ritual Celebrated May 1st Beltane is also known as May Day, Walpurg... Read more

Sun in Taurus

Sun in Taurus

Sun in Taurus April 21 through May 21 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristi... Read more

Taurus

Taurus

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Read more

Birth Totem - Beaver

Birth Totem - Beaver

Birth Totem Beaver Birth dates: April 20 - May 20 Read more

Frogs Return Moon

Frogs Return Moon

Beaver – Chrysocolla - Blue Camas – Blue April 20 – May 20 The Frogs Retur... Read more

Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…

Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing Cards

Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more

Emerald

Emerald

The Heart And Love Stone Emerald brings soothing harmony to ... Read more

Jade

Jade

The Heart Path Stone Jade has an overall balancing effect on the heart. It ... Read more

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla

The Feminine Balancing Stone For thousands of years chrysoco... Read more

 

 

X

Right Click

No right click