Alternate Nostril Breathing is a great way to feel more balanced, ground yourself and re-charge your body, mind and spirit. This breathwork is extremely grounding and soothing to the subtle body. It helps to dissolve blockages in our subtle body. In our subtle body, we have three main energy channels, called nadis, known most commonly as: Pingala, Ida and Sushumna. The Sushhmna is the central channel that runs up and down along the spine. The right side of the body houses the pingala and is described as: masculine, warm, passive, yang, exciting, rational and mathematical. The left side of the body houses the ida and is described as: feminine, lunar, cool, active, yin, calming, inward-directed, emotional, subjective, intuitive, and spatial. This breathwork allows us to unite these two sides and hopefully allow our energy to flow more freely through the Sushumna.
Begin in a comfortable seated position with an upright spine so your breath can move easily through the body. Rest your left hand on your lap. Hold up your right hand. Place your thumb on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril. Let your pointer and middle fingers remain at the bridge of your nose.
Seal off your right nostril and breathe in through your left nostril. Then alternate, seal off your left nostril and breathe out your right nostril.
Keep your left nostril sealed, and breathe in through your right. Then alternate, seal off your right nostril and breathe out your left. Keep the right nostril sealed, and breathe in your left. Then, alternate, seal off your left nostril and breathe out your right nostril.
Keep alternating between each nostril inhaling and exhaling. If it feels natural, try to pause inbetween each inhale-exhale and exhale-inhale.
Try this for about 1 minute.
Namaste,
Ashley
Did this help? Any inspiration? Let me know in the comments!
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