Balancing Body Energies Through Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

 

Literal meaning of ‘nadi’ is ‘nerve’ in English. The term ‘Nadi Shodhana’ refers to the cleansing or purification of the nerves. Among the many nadis which our body has, three are of particular importance. These are called by names of Ida, Pingala and Sushmna. These three nadis are present around out spine with Ida being on the left side, Pingala on the right side and Sushmna in the centre. All three travel from the base of the spine and reach till the end of respective nostrils. The centre of the forehead from front is the point where these meet.

It is believed that healthy nadis contribute to physical and mental health of the person. Therefore, these need to be cleansed and purified from time to time so that these retain vitality and enable flow of energy through the body. Nadi Shodhana pranayama is one such method through which these are stimulated.

So, what precisely is Nadi Shodhana Pranayama? This is also called by the name of Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB). In this breathing exercise, breath is inhaled from one nostril while the other is closed using fingers or thumb, and then exhaled from the other keeping the former nostril (through which inhalation was done) closed. Then, the cycle is repeated in turns by alternate closing and opening of nostrils.

The main purpose of doing this exercise is to bring balance to the functioning of these nadis or nerves. Now, why is this balance necessary? It is a known fact that at any one point of time, only one nostril functions while the other is at rest. It is only after a cycle of a few hours that the role is reversed among the nostrils. Therefore, at a time, only one nadi remains active. With alternate nostril breathing, the balance of functioning is done so that both are active at same time. One the balance is achieved, the energy begins to flow through the third, central nadi called sushmna.

The most important benefit of ANB, which is central to all other benefits, is that is brings peace to the mind. When done with mindfulness with focus on breathing patterns and flow of air, mind is diverted from the redundant thought patterns. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps in fighting stress and depression and fills the person with positive vibes.

This exercise is particularly useful in gaining control over or treating certain ailments, such as diabetes, blood pressure, migraine, asthma and others. It also works wonders in cases where people have problem of digestion, acidity and gas. It seeks to maintain a balance between the gases present in the body, such as Oxygen, Carbon dioxide and others. This way it also helps in balancing the flow of energy called Prana throughout the body.