Breathing Through Both Nostrils

March 3, 1997

In this pranayama, trying to see your hands through your closed eyes is said to develop the frontal lobe, hypothalamus, and the Third Eye (Ajna Chakra) or your ability to see the unseen. Intuition is a useful power that can bring opportunities, goodwill, and success. The frontal lobe controls your personality, and the hypothalamus controls your autonomic functions; the development of these two is said to upgrade your life. 

This practice is also said to be very useful at the time of death, because breathing through both nostrils activates the Shushumna Nadi or the central channel, which is very neutralizing. If you can be completely neutral at the time of death, there is no sin, punishment or authority that can judge you, and you will move through the transition quickly and easily.

1. Pressurize Ida and Pingala

Posture & Mudra: Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a straight spine and a light Neck Lock (Jalandhara Bandha). Bring both hands in Active Surya Mudra, keeping the remaining fingers straight. Hold the forearms parallel to the floor with the palms facing up.

Movement & Breath: 

• Inhale deeply and heavily through both nostrils with so much force that the nostrils almost close. At the same time, bring the mudras up in front of the face, as if drawing them in with the breath.
• Exhale and return the hands to the starting position.

Eyes/Drishti: Open and looking straight ahead, parallel to the floor.

Duration: Continue for 3-4 minutes.