Alternate Nostril Breathing – Restoring Inner Harmony

Sometimes the mind feels scattered—too much energy, too many thoughts. Alternate Nostril Breathing, or Nadi Shodhana in yoga, is a simple technique that helps restore balance between the left and right sides of the brain. It’s calming, centering and surprisingly effective after just a few minutes.

How to practice:

  1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
  2. Rest your left hand on your lap.
  3. With your right hand, place your thumb gently on your right nostril and your ring finger near your left nostril.
  4. Close your right nostril and inhale through your left for a count of 4.
  5. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, open your right, and exhale for 4.
  6. Inhale through the right nostril for 4.
  7. Close the right, exhale through the left for 4.
    That’s one full cycle. Continue for 5–10 cycles, breathing smoothly.

What it does:

  • Balances the body’s energy channels (nadis).
  • Calms the mind and enhances focus.
  • Can lower heart rate and reduce anxiety.

When to use it:

  • Before meditation or sleep.
  • When you feel mentally tired or emotionally off balance.
  • As a mid-day reset to regain clarity.

Tip: Always breathe gently—never force the air. Let your breath guide you back into harmony.

Alternate Nostril Breathing is like pressing the “reset” button for your mind. With each cycle, you reconnect the two sides of yourself—active and calm, logical and intuitive—until balance returns.

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