Posted by on 6/2/2021 to
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Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (Left Nostril Breathing): Benefits of Chandra Bhedana Breathing
https://pranadi.co.uk/surya-and-chandra-bhedana-pranayama/
Chandra Bhedana Pranyama is a calming pranayama, which makes the mind steady and encourages clarity of the intellect. It is therefore recommended in case of mental and physical tension, restlessness, agitation, high blood pressure, heart disease.
Chandra means Moon in Sanskrit, Bhedana means "to pass through". The moon is linked to the female calming energy, on the left side of the body, where one of the main subtle energy channels that flow in our body passes: Ida Nadi.
As you can tell, Chandra bhedana benefits are many! This pranayama can also clean the sinuses and it is always recommended when we are cold and we want to purify the airways.
Chandra Bhedana reduces the flow of bile, therefore lowers the body heat, thus prepares the mind for meditation.
If we struggle to sleep in the evening, Chandra Bhedana Pranyama is an excellent ally to make peace with the pillow and indulge in a restful rest.
We just have to get all on the mat!
Chandra bhedana pranayama: How to do it
Sit on the pillow in a comfortable cross-legged position, if you are an advanced practitioner you can take the half lotus or lotus position, bringing your feet above your thighs at hip height. Inhale, lift your shoulders and roll them back. As you exhale, slide your shoulder blades down to keep your spine straight. The arms extended along the body, the hands resting on the knees with the palms facing up, the thumb and forefinger are closed in a delicate contact, called Chin Mudra. Raise your right hand and bring your index and middle fingers between your eyebrows where the third eye, Bhrumadya Drishti, is located. Close your eyes and direct your inner gaze to that point. Take a deep inhale and then exhale completely emptying your lungs.
Are you ready to start Chandra Bhedana Pranayama!
Gently close your right nostril with your thumb and slowly inhale with your left nostril, counting to four. Now close the left nostril with the ring and little fingers and exhale from the right nostril, counting to four here too and trying to empty the lungs
Always inhale from the left and exhale from the right.
This type of breathing is performed with alternating nostrils, so after exhaling, close the right nostril again with your thumb and inhale with the left nostril always counting to four and then exhale from the right nostril. Keep your back straight, your eyes closed and your gaze fixed on the third eye. Continue to inhale from the left and exhale from the right, closing the nostrils alternately. If you can try to increase the length of your breath, bringing it to six counts, both in the inhale and in the exhale. Feel the sense of well-being and calm that this pranayama brings to the whole nervous system.
You can start the first session with ten breaths from both nostrils, and then gradually increase, dedicating at least fifteen minutes a day to your Pranayama.
To enjoy the main Chandra Bhedana benefits, Practice Chandra Bhedana Pranayama especially in the evening or during the day when you feel tense or agitated and want to calm your body and mind.
Namaste