Soothing

Increasing Lunar Energy (Left Nostril Breathing)

When you need soothing or to calm down for any reason, try this simple yogic breath. It can help you ramp down from stress or anxiety and can even help you get to sleep at night. This pranayama can also be used to lower blood pressure and address compulsive eating patterns. It generates a state of calmness, empathy, sensitivity, and synthesis and works by activating the Ida Nadi, which corresponds to lunar (Chandra or feminine) energy and balancing the parasympathetic nervous system.

Illustration of Helen sitting in easy pose with right hand covering nostril and left hand on knee

Posture & Mudra: 

Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a straight spine. Block your right nostril with the pad of your right thumb, keeping the other fingers straight up and together.

Mantra & Breath: 

Take at least 26 long, deep breaths in and out through your left nostril. You may mentally chant “SAT” as you inhale and “NAM” as you exhale.

Duration: 

Continue for at least 26 repetitions.

Ending: 

Inhale deeply, exhale, and relax.