How to Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing for Relaxation


What Is Alternate Nostril Breathing?

Alternate nostril breathing, known in Sanskrit as Nadi Shodhana, is an ancient Yoga breathing technique used for calming the body and mind. Alternate nostril breathing can be practiced anytime, and is especially useful prior to meditation.

How To Do Alternate Nostril Breathing

During alternate nostril breathing one nostril is closed. The thumb and index fingers are used to perform this breathing technique. One round consists of one inhalation and one exhalation. Practice a few rounds until you feel comfortable with the technique before adding more rounds.

  • Sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet environment.
  • Keep your back and neck straight.
  • Place your right thumb over your right nostril. Press gently to close the nostril.
  • Inhale through your left nostril.
  • Place your index finger over the left nostril while releasing the thumb from the right nostril.
  • Exhale the air from the right nostril.
  • Repeat the sequence.
  • Practice slowly. Add more rounds when comfortable.

The Health Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing

  • Reduces stress.
  • Creates a feeling of calm.
  • Provides deeper meditation.

How To Flow Warrior I Into Half Moon Pose

Instructions

  • Starting Position: Stand on right foot in Warrior I Prayer Position
  • Slowly open prayer position placing right hand on the ground.
  • Reach upward with left arm, while turning your gaze up at your left hand.
  • Hold pose 20-30 seconds.
  • Return hands to prayer position while moving gaze downward.

Variations: Either point your toes or point the heel by flexing the ankle.

Modifications: 1. Look down instead of turning head to look up. 2. Place supporting hand on a Yoga block if you can’t reach the ground, or if you require more stability. 3. Lift the back leg to a height you can manage without losing your balance.


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How To Do Simple BOSU Yoga Moves

BOSU Yoga Moves: Bodyweight Exercises That Strengthen Core, Shoulders, Thighs and Glutes

The Equipment Used In This Video: BOSU Balance Trainer

INSTRUCTIONS: While the poses shown in this video require experience with Yoga, they are considered basic for someone who has a regular practice. Performing Yoga poses on the BOSU is more difficult. If you don’t have the strength or flexibility to perform each pose on the BOSU, work without it, or use a foam balance pad instead. Balance Pad

LIST OF POSES IN THIS VIDEO

  • Warrior I
  • Warrior II
  • Side Angle
  • Down Dog
  • 3 Leg Dog
  • Upward Dog
  • Down Plank
  • Half Moon
  • Pigeon

WHERE TO BUY THE BOSU BALANCE TRAINER

Amazon BOSU Balance Trainer

Perform Better BOSU Sport Balance Trainer

Power Systems BOSU Home Balance Trainer


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EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider


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How To Do BOSU Yoga Poses

Challenge Your Balance and Strengthen Your Core With Yoga Stretches On The BOSU

The BOSU works the core muscles because it requires the ability to remain steady while stretching on an unstable surface. Focus and concentration are more difficult on the BOSU than on a mat alone. If you find the BOSU more than you can handle, do the Yoga poses without it.

MODIFICATIONS: 1) Use a balance pad in place of the BOSU. 2) Do the poses without equipment.

LIST OF POSES IN THIS VIDEO DEMO

  • Seated Side Stretch in Taylor’s Pose
  • Downward Dog
  • Lunge Hip Opener
  • Seated Open Angle Inner Thigh-Torso Stretch
WHERE TO BUY THE BOSU BALANCE TRAINER

Amazon BOSU Balance Trainer – Power Systems BOSU Home Balance Trainer

Perform Better BOSU Sport Balance Trainer


Shop Our Health & Fitness Store for BOSU


EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider


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