Alternate Nostril

Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breath: To perform alternate nostril breath, hold closed the left nostril as you breathe in through only the right side. Close the right nostril (holding the breath in), open the left nostril and breathe out through only the left nostril. Inhale through the left nostril (with the right nostril still closed), then close the left side (holding the air in), open the right side and breathe out. Continue this pattern, alternating sides. You may end this pattern breathing out of either side, or by releasing both nostrils and breathing out through both. Nadi Shodhana is a balancing and cleansing form of pranayama; it is used to balance our breathing through both sides of our nose and is thought to also balance us between the two hemispheres of the brain. A variety of mudras (hand positions) may be used during nadi shodhana (demonstrated in class).