What is Nadi Shodhana
Nadi means pathway and shodhan means purification. Therefore the word Nadi shodhan means purification of pathway.
Ida and Pingala are the two Pathways for the flow of vital energy of life. Lots of problems may arises due to obstruction in these pathways. It may result in anxiety, sleeplessness, stress, anger, restlessness. If it continues for long time the symptoms will convert into diseases.
Ida represents the properties of lunar and pingala represents the properties of sun. In the following paragraphs we will discuss about disbalance of Ida and Pingala.
Consequences of weak Ida Nadi
- Frequent closing of left nostril.
- Emotionally weak.
- Weak thought process.
- Lack of pleasure.
- lack of logic.
- Reduced mind power.
- Improper digestion.
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Consequences of overactive Ida Nadi
- Hyper emotional stage.
- Too much thought process.
- Over reacting.
- Too much addiction.
- Over cautiousness.
Consequences of weak Pingala Nadi
- Lower digestion.
- Like loneliness and isolation.
- Low self confidence.
- Low self-esteem.
- Fearful and scared.
- No fighting spirit.
- Blocked right nostril.
Consequences of overactive Pingala Nadi
- High body temperature.
- Hi temper.
- Gets irritated easily.
- Excessive appetite.
- Lean body.
- Dry skin.
- High physical and sexual energy.
How to balance Ida and Pingala
One of the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga called Pranayam, plays an important role in nadi shodhan. Anunom vilom, Chandra bhedi nadi shodhan and Surya bhedi nadi shodhan are the three ways to balance ida and pingala.
How to check whether Ida is weak or pingla
- It can be noticed by observing the symptom of unbalanced Ida and pingla.
- when you keep the thumb and index finger just below the two nostrils, you can see which nostril is blocked or flowing less.
Observations
Left nostril block or flowing less means
- Weak Ida nadi or overactive Pingala nadi.
- To balance this situation we have to do Chandra bhedi nadi shodhan.
Right nostril blocked or flowing less means
- Weak pingla nadi or overactive Ida nadi.
- to balance it we have to do Surya bhedi nadi shodhan.
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How to perform chandra bhedi nadi shodhan
- It is to be done when you have overactive pingla nadi or weak Ida nadi.
- To perform Chandra Nadi shodhan sit at a comfortable place with your spine comfortably erect.
- Place your left hand on left thigh and palm facing upward with thumb and index finger touching each other.
- Raise your right hand and place your thumb on right nostril.
- Now you have to inhale from left nostril, hold for three seconds and exhale from the same nostril.
- continue this process for 10 to 15 times. This process is called chandrabhedi nadi shodhan.
How to perform Surya bhedi nadi shodhan
- When your right nostril is closed you can perform Surya bhedi nadi shodhan
- Sit comfortably and keep your spine comfortably erect. Place your right hand on your right thigh and palm facing upward with thumb and index finger touching each other.
- Raise your left hand and place your thumb on the left nostril.
- Now inhale with right nostril, hold for three seconds and exhale from the same nostril. Repeat it for 10 to 15 times
- This Kriya will strengthen your Pingala nadi. It is also known as Surya bhedi nadi shodhan.
When both Ida and Pingala are almost balance
In this situation you need not to carry out any of the nadi shodhan rather you can do anulom-vilom pranayam. In this kriya both nostrils are engaged at the same time.
How to perform Anulom-vilom pranayam
- Sit comfortably with your spine comfortably erect. Keep your left palm on left thigh with thumb and index finger touching each other.
- Raise your right hand place your thumb on right nostril, ring finger on left nostril and index finger on forehead.
- Now you can inhale from left nostril, hold for three seconds and exhale from right nostril. Now start with right nostril and complete the reverse cycle.
- Repeat this process for 10 to 15 minutes. Later on , duration can be increased. This will improve balance between Ida and Pingala.
Precautions while carrying out nadi shodhan
- Don't put excessive pressure on nostril.
- Exhale and inhale with normal intensity.
- Duration of inhale should be longer than duration of exhale.
- If you feel breathlessness while doing nadi shodhan revert back to normal breathing.
- Perform yoga under expert guidance.
Important articles related to ancient scriptures of India
- Do you know why death rituals are so important?
- Importance of pancha pranas for existence of life.
