Yoga Breathing Techniques -Nadi Suddhi
Pranayama Techniques:
Nadi Suddhi (nerve purification):
This is the same as deep three-part breathing, only through alternate nostrils. Nadi Suddhi strengthens and purifies the nervous system. It balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain and helps to calm and organise the thoughts, focusing the mind. Nadi Suddhi helps to balance the ida and pingala, bringing balance. Flushing out the ida and pingala with Nadi Saddhi is like cleaning our arteries; the flow of prana becomes thick and even as they are supplied with a river of energy, instead of a stream. This creates heat at the base of the spine, which vibrates, shaking the energy loose so it can flow up the sushumna, piercing the chakras as it rises up.
- Sit comfortably with the spine erect, shoulders relaxed and eyes closed.
- Bend either elbow and make a gentle fist with the hand. From the fist release the thumb and the last two fingers. This is Vishnu Mudra.
- Exhale and inhale, using the three part breath, and gently close the right nostril with the thumb, if you are right handed, of the fingers if you are left handed.
- Gently exhale through the left nostril.
- Inhale through the left and then switch. Exhale through the right, inhale and switch.
- Continue, exhale, inhale, switch.
- When you are comfortable with the rhythm, you can begin to count the breath. Work towards having the exhalations twice as long as the inhalations.
Begin with a ratio of 4:8. Breathe in for a count of 4 and out for a count of 8. Continue for three minutes to begin with. Stop at any time or when you feel uncomfortable.
Using Nadi Suddhi In Daily Lives:
If you are feeling tired, and cant think clearly, it is hard to make decisions at that time. Practice a few rounds of Nadi Suddhi and you will find that your thoughts have cleared and you can organize yourself.
If you have to confront a difficult situation, and find it hard, then do these exercises. Nadi Suddhi slowly and calmly releases pressure. Don’t let emotional upset build until you have an outburst.
To help control the emotions and restore a calm mind, practice Nadi Suddhi three times a day. You can take out time from work and do it for a short while in a secluded place.
