Have you ever felt that our body is capable of more than we use it for? What if this powerful body system could succeed at what pills and bottles of medication struggle to achieve?
Since the days of yore, breathing techniques have been practiced by yogis to control the mind and benefit the body. “Nadi” in Ayurveda refers to a channel in the body, and “shodhana” means purification. This technique is also known as alternate breathing. According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, each nostril is connected to a specific hemisphere of the brain through the various energies in our body.
By regulating our breathing, we exercise better control over our body's energies. Here, we explore 5 specific benefits of nadi shodhana. Contents: 1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety 2. Improves Sleep Quality
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Stress builds up in the body due to quick and fast breathing, which reduces the body’s oxygen supply. Deep breathing techniques such as nadi shodhana help the body take in more oxygen. This oxygen is then supplied to our brain and body tissues.
2. Improves Sleep Quality
Disruptions in sleep, or sleep-related problems (such as sleep apnea), are linked to the process of breathing. Since nadi shodhana mindfully controls your breathing, over time it can help you get rid of sleep disorders by helping you breathe better.
3. Reduces Headaches
Through nadi shodhana, the circulation of prana (life) energy is enhanced. This in turn improves blood circulation and relieves muscle tensions, thereby reducing headaches.
4. Regulates Fight-or-Flight Response
We are all too familiar with this common reaction that our body has to stressful situations! Nadi shodhana activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as our “rest and digest” response.
5. Better Mental Balance
This is a less-known fact! Since nadi shodhana unifies both our left and right brain hemispheres, it also helps us balance the logical and emotional sides that we have. This ensures more mental equilibrium and aids decision making.
Conclusion
While heightened bodily conditions might necessitate medical intervention, practices like nadi shodhana can help us cope with daily stressors and situations. And the best part is, all you require is your own body! Anyone can take up this simple practice and experience its magic.
Check out this simple demonstration of how to perform nadi shodhana!