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.

Illustration of Elaine sitting in easy pose in surya mudra by face, eyes opened. And with shuni mudra on knees

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.

2. Hand Shaking

Posture & Mudra: Remain in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) and bring the arms out to the sides with the elbows slightly bent. Both hands are relaxed with the palms facing down.

Movement & Breath: 

  • Inhale powerfully, as before, through both nostrils in 4-6 strokes. With each stroke of the breath, shake the hands.
  • Exhale and relax the hands.

Duration: Continue for 3 minutes.

Illustration of Elaine sitting in easy pose with hands extended to sides, elbows and hands relaxed
Illustration of Elaine sitting in easy pose with hands in prayer pose and thumbs touching nose

3. Prayer Pose

Posture & Mudra: Remain in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) and bring your hands into Prayer Pose (Pranam Mudra). Hold the mudra in front of your face, so your thumb tips are just touching the tip of your nose.

Breath: Do Long Deep Breathing.

Eyes/Drishti: With your eyes closed, try to see your hands.

Mindful Attention: Pull in prana with each breath, and make the breath very healing.

Duration: Continue for 4 minutes.

Ending: 

  1. Inhale deeply, exhale completely, and hold your breath out for 10 seconds.
  2. Repeat this sequence two more times, and relax.