Alternate Nostril Breathing: Balancing Energy Through Pranayama

When we inhale through the right nostril, we charge our left brain. When yogis do Alternate Nostril breathing, their male and female energies become equally balanced. When these energies are balanced, the neutral energy is awakened and one experiences pure awareness, which is called brahman. When we do pranayama, the nadis (subtle channels of the nervous system) become purified, the mind becomes controlled, and we can go beyond male and female energies to pure, choiceless, passive awareness.

This is the basis for pranayama. Then there are numerous types of pranayama: practices to heat or cool the body; Right Nostril breathing to awaken more male energy; Left Nostril breathing to awaken more female energy; and so on. Six Breathing Techniques ALTERNATE NOSTRIL PRANAYAMA One of the simplest breathing practices, and one that is very effective, as we have discussed, is Alternate Nostril pranayama. Sit comfortably on the floor in a crosslegged posture, keeping the spine straight.

If you are not comfortable in this position, sit upright on the front edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Close the right nostril with your right thumb, and inhale through the left nostril. Inhale into the belly, not into the chest. After inhaling, hold your breath for just a moment.

Exhale through your right nostril while closing the left with the ring and little finger of your right hand. Repeat steps 1 to 3, but this time start by inhaling through the right nostril (while you close the left nostril with your ring and little finger). You can do this breathing exercise for five to ten minutes. : This pranayama, as well as the others in this book, is best learned under the NOTE guidance of an accomplished teacher.

SHITALI PRANAYAMA (COOLING BREATH) Curl your tongue into a tube. Inhale slowly through the curled tongue, swallow, and then exhale normally through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. You will feel the incoming air cool your saliva, your tongue, and the oral mucous membranes. This form of breathing is helpful for pacifying high pitta.