Alternate breathing is an excellent technique to:
- Calm & centre the mind, body & emotions
- Helps to bring into harmony the left and right hemispheres of the brain easing stress and anxiety – the left and right hemispheres of the brain are associated with the logical and emotional sides of our personality
- Promotes a smoother flow of energy throughout the body, removing toxins and clearing energy channels
- Start by sitting in a comfortable seat or on a cushion with the spine in an upright position, but relax your body. Soften your jaw and breathe as naturally as possible.
- Begin by exhaling completely and then gently closing your right nostril with your thumb
- Inhale slowly a deep breath through the left nostril
- Close your left nostril with your ring finger
- Lift the thumb from the right nostril and exhale a long slow breath through the right nostril
- Keep the right nostril open and inhale deeply through the right nostril
- Close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale slowly through the left nostril – this is one cycle
- Inhale through the left nostril to start the next round
Repeat 3 times (staying in your comfort zone). Gradually build up to 5 minutes daily or as needed during times of stress and anxiety.