Chandra bhedana pranayama is a cooling breathing technique in which the breath is inhaled through the left nostril and exhaled through the right nostril. This pranayama is believed to balance the body’s energies and calm the mind. The left nostril is associated with the cooling effect, lunar energy (idā nāḍī) and the right nostril with the heating effect, solar energy (piṅgala nāḍī) according to yogic tradition. This practice is recommended for those who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or excess heat in the body. It is important to note that this practice should be learned under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher training in Bali.
According to yoga philosophy, the human body is said to contain three main energy channels, or nadis: ida, pingala, and sushumna. Ida nadi is associated with the lunar energy and is said to be located on the left side of the body, while pingala nadi is associated with the solar energy and is said to be located on the right side of the body. Sushumna nadi runs through the center of the body and is associated with the balance of these energies.
Chandra bhedana pranayama is a practice that aims to activate the ida nadi, or the left nostril, and bring a cooling effect to the body and mind. By doing so, it is believed to balance the energies of the body and mind, promoting a state of calmness and relaxation. The practice of Chandra bhedana pranayama is also believed to help regulate the body’s natural cycles, such as sleep and digestion. By calming the mind and balancing the energies of the body, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote overall physical and mental health.
How to do Chandra Bhedana Pranayama?
Option 1
- Find a comfortable seated position: Sit in a comfortable seated position with your spine erect and your hands resting on your knees in Chin Mudra (thumb and index finger together).
- Close your eyes: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths through both nostrils.
- Block your right nostril: Place your right hand on your nose and block your right nostril with your right thumb.
- Inhale through your left nostril: Inhale deeply through your left nostril, filling your lungs with air.
- Block your left nostril: Close your left nostril with your ring finger and the little finger of your right hand.
- Exhale through your right nostril: Slowly exhale through your right nostril, releasing all the air from your lungs.
Option 2
- Block your right nostril: Place your right hand on your nose and block your right nostril with your right thumb.
- Inhale through your left nostril: Inhale deeply through your left nostril, filling your lungs with air.
- Exhale through left nostril: Exhale slowly with your left nostril keeping your right nostril blocked.
- Repeat: Repeat this cycle ( either option 1 or 2 ) for 5 to 10 rounds
What are the benefits of Chandra Bhedana?
- Calms the mind: This practice is believed to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Cooling effect: Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a cooling breathing practice that can help reduce excess heat in the body.
- Regulates body cycles: This practice is believed to help regulate the body’s natural cycles, including sleep and digestion.
- Balances energies: According to yogic tradition, this practice balances the energies of the body and mind, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Increases mental clarity: This practice can help to increase mental clarity and focus.
- Helps with blood pressure: This practice may help to regulate blood pressure.
- Promotes relaxation: This practice promotes deep relaxation, which can help to reduce tension and promote overall feelings of calmness and well-being.
Precautions for Chandra Bhedana pranayama
- Do not force the breath: It’s important to remember to breathe slowly and mindfully, and not to force the breath. If you feel any discomfort or light-headedness, release the breath and resume normal breathing.
- Practice on an empty stomach: It’s recommended to practice Chandra Bhedana Pranayama on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Learn from a qualified teacher: It’s best to learn this technique from a qualified yoga teacher who can guide you through the practice and help you avoid any potential injuries.
- Avoid if you have a cold: If you have a cold or any other respiratory infection, it’s best to avoid this practice as it may aggravate your symptoms.
- Avoid or reduce the intensity in a cold climate: As this is a cooling pranayama, it is important to either avoid or reduce the intensity of this pranayama in extremely cold conditions. Remember in cold weather, you should choose to do the heating pranayama more than the cooling pranayama.
To know more about all the pranayama practices as per hatha yoga, please enrol for our upcoming Yoga Teacher training courses in Bali.