Nadi Shodana Pranayama

What is Nadi Shodana?

In Sanskrit - the name of this technique means ‘purification of the energy channels.

This is an ancient alternate nostril breathing technique. You breathe from one nostril at a time, and keep switching, back and forth between the nostrils.

Yogis believe that each nostril is part of a seperate nadi (energy channel). They theorised that each nostril has a polarising, opposite effect. The left nostril, more calming, and cooling. The right nostril, more energising, and warming.

Well, turns out they were onto something. Modern science has confirmed that the nostrils do indeed function in this way.

So by practicing Nadi Shodana, we can balance the two opposing forces of the nostrils, to arrive in a more balanced, and harmonised state.

Step by step instructions (link to video at the bottom):

1. Block your right nostril with your right thumb

2. Inhale from your left nostril

3. Block your left nostril with your ring finger & release your thumb

4. Exhale from your right nostril

5. Keep your hand in the same position

6. Inhale from your right nostril

7. Block your right nostril with your right thumb & release ring finger

8. Exhale from your left nostril

Tips for Nadi Shodana:

• Remember, all you are doing is going back and forth, like a pendulum