Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Cleansing and Balancing Your Energy

1969

Kapalbhati Pranayama (Nadi Shodhana), commonly known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, is a fundamental pranayama technique. It’s considered a “perfect cleanser” (Gheranda Samhita) due to its purifying effects on the aura and energy channels (Nadis) of the body. Regular practice is believed to:

• Balance prana and apana: The two primary life forces, taking in life and eliminating, in the body.
• Stimulate Kundalini: Awaken the coiled energy at the base of the spine to move through the Shushumna.
• Release past karmas: Burn off energetic imprints from past experiences which are encoded in the Nadis, the aura, and the mental bodies.
• Calm the mind: Enhance focus and mental clarity.
• Balance Masculine and Feminine Channels: Purify and balance the Ida and Pingala energy channels (Nadis) in the body.

It’s recommended to practice on an empty stomach or have eaten very lightly beforehand.