Harmonise your mind and body by calming a busy mind.

Nadi Shodanha aims to purify the main energy channels (nadis) to allow the bodies life force, prana or chi to freely ascend throughout the body bringing about a harmonious state of being.

Interestingly in every day life we do not breath through both nostrils at a time on a constant basis. It is said that each nostril is dominant for a 2 hour cycle at a time. Breathing through one nostril for a prolonged period of time can effect energy levels, alternate nostril breathing helps restore balance.

You’ll find keeping track of which nostril to in-or exhale through keeps the mind plenty busy and helps keep pestering thoughts that are winding you up at bay. Any time you notice your thoughts wandering you’ll also find you got tangled with the breathing rhythm of passing the air up and over. Our mind has a habit to keep mulling  over past events, sometimes glorifying the past and building anxious feelings about the future. Alternate nostril breathing help us bring the mind back to the present and let the dominating thoughts float away.

This practice is a form of meditation that does not require you to be still like a rock. I found most of us do best when we have something rhythmic to do to find a meditative calm state.

Once you start practicing you’ll find out how this pranayama affects you, some people find it is very enlivening others just feel deeply peaceful and present. Try it at different times of the day and see if it affects you differently.

If you find it enlivening pre bed time might not be the best time to practice, it might be that the Brahmari breath is better suited to lull you to sleep.

As you keep practicing and learning the various pranayama exercises you are building a toolbox that you can use to help you cope with every day stressors, to raise your energy levels, to calm you down in times of stress or to help you heal inside and out.

Benefits:

• increases oxygen levels in the body
• has a profound stilling effect on the mind
• grounds in the present moment
• can regulate energy levels by purifying the nadis
• can relieve anxiety and stress
• induces sense of tranquility
• may balance left and right side of the brain
• improves clarity of mind
• may help bring fresh inspiration
• increases focus and concentration
• improves ability to be present in the moment
• may remove minor blockages in nose and sinuses

 

Contraindication:

Nadi Shodhana should not be practiced while suffering from cold, flu or fever.

Visualisations you can use:

• visualise the air passing in/ up and over passing the point where your ring finger is placed between the eyebrows.
• Exhale your anger, frustration, fatigue, disease or anything that you want to let go off
• Inhale love, light, relaxation, energy, health or anything else you feel you mind or body needs

 

Affirmation:

“I am present, calm and serene.”

My challenge for you until I see you next week is to practice Nadi Shodhana everyday and see how it can help you calm a busy mind giving yourself a few minutes of peace.

I hope you find this pranayama breathing exercise helpful; why don’t you drop me a line in a few days with an update on how it’s going for you?
Or ask further questions if they come up.
I always love hearing from you.
Namaste

Marie