Energy Balancing Alternate Nostril Breathing

by BK Kissinger, NASM CT, IronmanU Tri Coach, 500RTY Yoga Instructor

BE CALM & BE STRONG
Alternate nostril breathing is a breathing practice from the yoga tradition. In Sanskrit, it’s known as nadi shodhana pranayama. This means “subtle energy clearing breathing technique.”

This is a breathing practice relevant to anything.  This isn't a "yoga" practice, to only be done when doing yoga.  This is an amazing breathing practice that can benefit anyone.  Anytime.

Benefits

• Balance energy
• Calm the mind
• Bring the mind and body together
• Lower anxiety and stress
• Engage para-sympathetic nervous system, lower heart rate
• Feel calm and amazing

How To Do It
Relax.  Do not worry about doing it "right".  Enjoy the process.  Let the body and breath lead the activity. Not your mind.

• Sit comfortably. In a chair. On the floor. In your car.  Comfortably.  Quiet.  Non disturbed.
• Use your right hand to apply gentle pressure on your nose.
• Begin to breath, not worrying about doing anything with your hand yet.  Give it a minute or so.
• Relax into your breathining.
• Then exhale on right, gently closing nostril when done with the exhale
• Inhale gently with the left, then exhale gently
• Close left nostril, switch.
  
• Repeat, continue

Useful and Research Links
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5660749/
https://www.calmwithyoga.com/increase-vital-energy-alternate-nostril-breathing/
https://theyogaspace.co.uk/blog/PostId/261/yogis-ahead-of-science-one-nostril-breathing-determines-how-you-feel
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Coach BK, Certified Triathlon and Nutrition Coach, 500RTY yoga Instructor, NASM-PT