Origin:\u00a0<\/strong>Nadi\u00a0means “channel” or “flow,” and shodhana translates to “cleansing” or “purifying.”<\/p>\n Type of Yoga Practiced In:\u00a0<\/strong>Nadi Shodhana can be practiced in all forms of yoga and most definitely in your personal practice. It’s also a good technique for calming oneself throughout the day.<\/p>\n Benefits:\u00a0<\/strong>Much like other breath techniques, Nadi Shodhana fills the body with fresh oxygen, but has a cooling effect, unlike Breath of Fire or Lions Breath, which heats the body and increases energy levels. The most noticeable benefit of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is its\u00a0effects on the mind. As it clears out blockages throughout the\u00a0energy channels (nadis) in the body, it\u00a0calms the mind and brings awareness into the present moment.<\/p>\n The alternate nostril breathing balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain and also helps with circulatory and\u00a0respiratory\u00a0issues. It is said to lower the heart rate, while releasing stress, fatigue, and anxiety. You may notice the gentle flow of prana (life energy) flowing through the nadis (channels) in the body and a cooling sensation when done correctly.<\/p>\n Get Started:<\/strong><\/p>\n Length of Practice:<\/strong>\u00a0Nadi Shodhan can be practiced anytime throughout your day. It’s good to do on an empty stomach, so early morning is great. You can also practice before bed to calm down for a good night’s sleep. I find it’s a great way to prepare for a slower yoga practice, like yin<\/a>, yoga Nidra<\/a>, or\u00a0restorative<\/a>. Try five to 10 rounds until you feel comfortable to practice longer and eventually work up to a few minutes.<\/p>\n Speed of Practice:\u00a0<\/strong>The length of inhalations \u00a0and exhalations should be even in length and speed.\u00a0Since this is a cooling and centering breath technique, take it slow. The slower and deeper the breath, the better.<\/p>\n Recommended Asana:\u00a0<\/strong>Try alternate nostril breathing seated with legs crossed, lotus pose, or sitting on the heels.<\/p>\n Fun Facts:\u00a0<\/strong>Use this breath technique to help with allergies!<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n\n
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Center the mind, body, and spirit through alternate nostril breathing, or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":74300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[778],"tags":[1529,116,201,77,802],"class_list":["post-74295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practice","tag-breath","tag-health","tag-meditation","tag-mindfulness","tag-practice-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n