12/10/2026
Yesterday at the end of class we practiced Alternate Nostril Breathing, or Nadi Shodhana to give it it's Sanskrit name.
Benefits of Nadi Shodhana include:
~ Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest\digest) to lower stress and balance the nervous system
~ Can assist in lowering blood pressure and pulse rate with regular practise
~ Lowers cortisol levels and blood lactate to help calm the mind, can help control\reduce panic attacks
~ balances the oxygen supply to the brain to help provide mental clarity, sharpen memory, combat mental fog and improve attention span.
~ Can aid with sleep and sleep quality when practiced at bedtime
How to Practice
1. Sit comfortably, with a long, straight spine and relaxed hips\shoulders.
2. Rest your left hand to left knee.
3. Raise your right hand toward your nose. Place the index and middle fingers lightly on the top of the nose\forehead between your eyebrows.
4. Close your right nostril using your right thumb.
5. Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril, breathing into the bottom of your lungs.
6. Close your left nostril with your ring finger
7. Release your thumb and exhale slowly and fully through your right nostril.
8. Inhale through your right nostril, pause as you close the right and release your ring finger to exhale through your left nostril.
9. Repeat the cycle for between 5 to 10 rounds (or about 5 minutes), keeping the breath smooth, deep and even.
