The benefits of alternating nostril breathing

There are many breathing techniques and each has particular characteristics and benefits. The one with alternating nostrils can help to improve one’s well-being, by performing simple gestures for a few minutes.

Alternating nostril breathing: how to do it

Surya Chandra Pranayama is yogic breathing with alternating nostrils. Its execution is very simple:

> sitting in a comfortable position , in the lotus position or simply with the legs bent under the torso; sitting on a chair is also okay;

> the left hand is placed on the left knee, and instead the right hand is placed on the face: the index and middle fingers are placed in the center of the forehead, between the two eyebrows, while the thumb, ring finger and little finger do not come into contact with the face;

> with the little finger and the ring finger , the left nostril is closed, and inhaled with the right nostril , and exhaled making the exhalation last at least 5 seconds;

> pause for one or two seconds and open the left nostril, closing the right nostril with the thumb: exhale through this nostril and inhale;

> hold on for another one or two seconds, then open the right nostril and close the left with the little finger and ring finger: exhale and inhale ;

> this is repeated for a few minutes.

Benefits of alternating nostril breathing

This yogic breathing is translated as “sun-moon” breathing, because the two left and right polarities alternate, associated, as parts of the body, with opposite energy currents but which, for general well-being, must be balanced and alternate cyclically.

The benefits are both physical and emotional :

> balances acids and alkalis within the body;

> oxygenates the blood , purifying the blood and lungs;

> improves general respiratory capacity ;

> calms nausea and headache ;

> relieves physical tensions , especially at the level of the head and shoulders;

> calm the mind and circular thoughts ;

> alternates the left and right hemispheres ;

> stabilizes the nervous system ;

> it is useful for those who are subject to energy and mood swings ;

> it can be preparatory to meditation ;

> improves concentration ;