left nostril breathing.

NOSTRIL BREATHING

Yogic philosophy teaches that breathing through specific nostrils activates different energy channels and parts of the brain. Read on to learn about how the simple technique of Left, Right, or Alternate Nostril breathing can be used to energize, calm yourself, or create a deep sense of well-being and harmony.

What It Is

Yogic philosophy teaches that the nostril on the right is our “sun nostril” which regulates our energy level, while the left nostril is our “lunar nostril” which regulates our emotions. The quality of prana processed through the two nostrils corresponds with the qualities associated with the two sides of the brain.

This is where we can see neuroscience and yogic science overlapping: the left hemisphere of the brain controls the logic-oriented, masculine sun-energy, and the right hemisphere controls intuition and creativity, which is influenced by feminine moon-energy. The nerves of these two brain hemispheres cross at the level of the eyebrows; the left hemisphere is connected to the right side of the body and the right nostril, whereas the right hemisphere is connected to the left side of the body and the left nostril.

What It Does

We breathe predominantly through one nostril or the other at any given time. The dominant nostril alternates rhythmically every 90 to 150 minutes. This rhythm is regulated through structures in the hypothalamus and pituitary, or the glands that dispense “calm, cozy, feel-good” hormones. Alternate nostril breathing can function as a tool that allows us to bypass our default breathing system and create a new rhythm that keeps us feeling good for longer. 

This is especially important because our nervous system is directly linked to our breathing. When we are emotionally tense, the stress hormone cortisol begins flowing, our breath rate increases, and we may even begin to sweat. But when we are calm and relaxed, our breathing slows down, our body releases tension, and we feel more at ease and peaceful. 

If we feel lethargic and fatigued, long deep breathing through the right nostril can give us added energy. On the other hand, breathing through the left nostril can provide a sense of peace and inner calm even in the midst of strong emotions.

 Right Nostril Breathing

Breathing through the right nostril activates the Pingala and is associated with:

• Prana, the nurturing energy

• Sun energy—warming, projective

• Vigor

• Alertness

• Willpower

• Concentration

• Readiness for action

If you find yourself needing more energy, vigor, or alertness, find a quiet spot, close your left nostril with the forefinger of your right hand, and breath long, deep breaths exclusively through the right nostril for a few minutes.

Left Nostril Breathing

Breathing through the left nostril activates the Ida and is associated with:

• Apana, the cleansing energy

• Moon energy—cooling, receptive

• Calmness, inner peace

• Empathy

• Sensitivity    

• Synthesis

 When your energy is racing and you need to calm and soothe your nervous system, close the eyes, block the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand, and breathe long and deep through the left nostril for 3-5 minutes.

left Nostril Breathing

Left nostril breathing activates the Ida Nerve Ending in the left nostril, which relates to calmness and relaxation. Left nostril breathing is associated with the moon energy, which is changeable, feminine, yin, giving, and cool. Breathing through the left nostril for five minutes can calm you and lower your blood pressure and support your mental & emotional balance.

The kriya

Posture: Sit with a straight spine. You may be in Easy Pose or on a chair, wherever you can keep your spine straight and be comfortable.

Mudra and Breath: Sit in Easy Pose. Close your right nostril with your right thumb, your other fingers are stretched straight up as antennas. Your left hand is in Gyan Mudra on your left knee. Close your eyes and concentration at your 3rd Eye. Begin to breathe long and deep only through your left nostril.

continue for 11 minutes. to end inhale deeply, hold the breath for a few seconds, lower the hands and exhale.

*taken from 3ho.org