day-49 Pranayama:Nadi Shodhanam
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Knowledge of Yoga is infinite, boundless and timeless. “Learning Yoga is an everlasting journey that leads you within and Within is where you find the world of immortal bliss”. –Mitraasha
Namaste All My Yoga Yaatris! May Yog Bless You!
The idea behind running this 51 Days Yoga Consciousness series is to proffer my modest learnings and share the divine pearls of Yoga science with people at large. Let’s have a conjoint intent to learn, implement and extend the wisdom of Yoga with a positive co-action and harmonious reverberation amongst each other.
The three most important nadis (subtle energy channels) in the human body are Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. When the Ida nadi is blocked or not functioning accurately, one may have a blocked left nostril which may result in occurrences of cold, depression, slow digestion and decreased mental energy. Similarly, when the Pingala nadi is blocked and not functioning accurately, one may have a blocked right nostril which may result in experiencing heat, excessive appetite, short tempered behaviour, irritability, raised sexual and physical drive, dry skin, rough throat, itching body and restlessness.
Blockages of either of the Nadis may occur due to various reasons such as excessive stress, increased toxins levels, physical and mental trauma and an unhealthy way of living.
Usually we inhale and exhale roughly for 1 ½ half hours from one nostril and then without realizing, switch to the other nostril to breathe for the same interval. In Sanskrit, ‘nadi’ means ‘channel’ and ‘shodhana’ means ‘cleansing or purifying’. Nadi Shodhana mentions alternate nostril breathing, which caters to the cleansing and purification of the different channels in the human body through breath awareness. Practice of this pranayama regularizes the primordial breathing thereby creating harmony amidst the positive and negative effects of breathing on both the body and mind. It aids the mind to release accumulated tension, fatigue, instill calmness and peace and thus prepares it to enter a meditative state.
For general limitations/contraindications, benefits and other do’s & dont’s of Pranayamas overall, kindly refer to this link: https://kreately.in/day-43-pranayama-mitraasha/
Anulom-Vilom: Although it is usually stated that Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhanam practices are same, however the difference between both is that in anulom-Vilom, air is inhaled from left nostrils and exhaled from the right one, after that it is inhaled from the right nostril and exhaled from the left one without any retention or suspension, but in Nadi Shodhan, the breathing pattern remains same with the added suspension and retention done as mentioned above in detail.
It aids better oxygenation, balances the energies that help to cope with pains and aches, improves concentration and helps in living in the present.
It purifies and balances the nadis (the subtle energy channels), thereby ensuring a smooth flow of prana (life force) through the body.
It works therapeutically for various circulatory and respiratory problems and regulates the body temperature.
Beneficial in instilling calmness, quietude, inner harmony and sedative effect on the nervous system.
It harmonizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which corresponds to the logical and emotional sides of our personality.
Thought of the day: “In all aspects of our lives balance is key. Doing one thing too much can cause upset, like the old saying goes, everything in moderation is the secret!” Catherine Pulsifer
Link to day 48: Pranayama-Suryabhedana & Chandrabhedana https://kreately.in/day-48-pranayama-suryabhedana-chandrabhedana/
Link to day 49:
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