The benefits of alternate nostril breathing

Breathing with alternate nostrils: how to do it

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

> sitting in a comfortable position, in the lotus position or simply with the legs bent under the bust; it is also good to sit on a chair;

> 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 it is inhaled with the right nostril, and it is exhaled making the expiration last at least 5 seconds;

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

> holds still for one or two seconds, then opens the right nostril and closes the left with the little finger and ring finger: exhale and breathe in ;

> repeat everything for a few minutes.

Benefits of alternate nostril breathing

This yogic respiration 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 a general well-being, must be balanced and alternated 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;

> calms the mind and circular thoughts ;

> alternates between the right and left hemispheres ;

> stabilizes the nervous system ;

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

> may be preparatory to meditation ;

> improves concentration ;