This week we will introduce a form of breathing that may be new to many of you. Alternate
nostril breathing, or Nadi Shodhana, is a form of breath that will enable you to experience a
greater sense of relaxation and focus. “Nadi” is a Sanskrit word meaning & "channel" or "flow"and "Shodhana"; means "purification". Therefore, Nadi Shodhana is primarily aimed at clearing and purifying the subtle channels of the mind and body.
This breathing technique helps to sharpen your concentration and mental clarity when you
need it. It provides equal amounts of oxygen to both sides of your brain through this intentional technique. By focusing on your breath, slowing it down and deepening it purposefully, your brain will send a message to your nervous system to move from a stressed (sympathetic) state to a more relaxed (parasympathetic) state.
Here's how to infuse your body with oxygen while calming and balancing your nervous system:
1) First begin by taking a full, deep inhalation followed by a slow, gentle exhalation.
2) Fold the pinky, ring, and middle fingers inward until they touch the palm at the base of the
right thumb. You will alternately use the right thumb to close the right nostril and the index
finger to close the left nostril.
3) Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale gently, but fully, through the left nostril. Keeping the right nostril closed, inhale through the left nostril and deep into the belly.
4) Next, use the index finger of the right hand to gently close the left nostril and simultaneously release the right nostril. Exhale through the right nostril.
5) Keeping the left nostril closed, inhale once again through the right nostril, allowing the
breath to travel up the right side of the body.
6) Then again, use the right thumb to close the right nostril as you release the left nostril.
Exhale through the left nostril. Repeat this alternating pattern for 6-8 rounds. Keep the breath low, slow, fluid, and relaxed throughout the practice. Allow your breath to return to normal.
Happy breathing!
As we help our numerous clients cope with the unique stressors inherent in today’s uncertain world, we are thrilled to offer the services of Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD. As Director of Human Performance, Kate’s role is to provide training and education around various aspects of mental and physical wellbeing, including stress management, effective thinking, mindfulness, attentional focus techniques, goal attainment, organizational leadership, memory and learning enhancement, and sleep. Kate has assisted hundreds of LSDS clients, and is available to help you navigate the path ahead. Emailkatecolvin@lsds.usto learn more about what Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD, can provide for you.
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