Yes, I can’t stop talking about breath!
This time I am so excited to tell you about the latest research on a yoga breathing technique called Nadi Shodhana, in English we call it alternate nostril breathing. When I was learning breathing techniques, I was told this was a balancing breath; balancing both sides of the spine, the organs, the brain, and I believed it, as that is how I felt after practicing it.
The ancient Yogi’s believed: “Ida, which is activated by directing the breath through the left nostril, is said to establish a calm, introspective awareness, and have a cooling effect. Pingala, the more stimulating side, is heating and mobilizing, and is activated through right-nostril breathing. Alternating the breath through both nostrils is said to cultivate balance and equanimity.” Robin Rothenberg, Restoring Prana
Yoga tradition holds that your left nostril (Ida) engages your parasympathetic nervous system, calming you and reducing your heart rate as well as blood pressure. The right nostril (pingala), increases sympathetic activity, such as focus, assertiveness, heat.
Throughout our day we breathe through only one nostril at a time, so when you start to pay attention to your nasal cycle it may give you a good idea as to when you are more productive and you also become more in tune to your body’s natural cycle.
Here are a few more benefits of alternate nostril breathing breathing:https://themapsinstitute.com/nadi-shodhana-is-this-ancient-practice-just-woo-or-is-it-key-to-re-balancing-calming-and-revitalizing/
Blood glucose regulation,
Increased Heart Rate Variability
Decrease blood pressure
Improve cardiovascular and pulmonary function
This study in Nature tested Nadi Shodhana and found that the Yogi’s were correct that using this breathing technique has many benefits for our brain and body.
