How to Do Alternate-nostril Breathing in Yoga

Alternate-nostril breathing is also known as nadi shodhana. The nadi's are energy channels that run through the body. Doing this breathing helps to relax you, warm up the body, and can clear up sinuses. This can be intense; if you feel dizzy or light-headed, stop immediately.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Just yourself!

1. Sit in a comfortable, seated, cross-legged position. You can also sit in a straight-backed chair. Take a few moments to mentally prepare yourself for the breathing exercise.

2. Take your right hand, bend the middle and ring finger, so that the pinky, forefinger and thumb are straight. Place the forefinger in the middle of your forehead, near the third eye.

3. Close your eyes. Using your pinky, close off the left nostril, and inhale through the right nostril slowly. Using your thumb, close off the right nostril, and release the left nostril. Exhale slowly through the left nostril. Inhale through the left nostril, and exhale through the right. Continue to repeat this pattern for 10 breaths.

4. Rest for 30 seconds; you can do a second or third round if you would like. After you are finished, take a few moments to re-center and slowly open your eyes. You should feel warm and the nasal passages clear.

Tips & Warnings

• Great for clogged sinuses
• If you feel dizzy or light-headed, stop immediately.