Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing, is a pranayam or breathing technique used to balance energy in the body. Prana, energy, flows through different energy channels called nadis. The main nadi on the left side of the body is called the Ida and the one on the right is the Pingala. The energy on the left flows downward, is governed by the moon and can calm and ground us. On the right, the energy moves upward and is activating, governed by the sun. With too much of one or the other we can feel off-center, perhaps lethargic or depressed (too much Ida energy) or angry or agitated (too much Pingala). Nadi shodhana helps us balance and focus this energy. It also helps balance our minds and nervous systems. Numerous research studies show positive outcomes of nadi shodhana for the autonomic nervous system, the cardiopulmonary system and cognitive function (link to systematic review of research). For those of you currently dealing with seasonal allergies, nadi shodhana can be a preventative measure to help with nasal blood flow and decrease allergy symptoms (link to study).
Nadi shodhana can be a catalyst for examining how we can balance various areas of our lives too. Think work/life balance, setting boundaries, saying no. This can be simple things like closing that laptop, turn off those email notifications!, set clear expectations around when you respond to work emails, family texts, etc. It can be recognizing when it needs to be take-out night, even though you really want to make homemade meals every-single-night (perhaps re-evaluating your perfectionism and self-imposed expectations!) It's recognizing physical and emotional exhaustion and sleeping in or not going to the gym so you can restore your energy and be "on" tomorrow (rather than a constant running ragged). It's letting yourself eat what feels nourishing and joyful rather than labeling food as "good" or "bad" and restricting.
And balance (in life, in yoga) looks different for everyone! There are different versions of nadi shodhana (check out my video which includes a mask-friendly no-face touching version), as well as other yogic balancing techniques (tree pose anyone?)
So perhaps before agreeing to that new project or answering those emails at 11pm, do a few rounds of nadi shodhana and contemplate what would feel most balanced for you.
Best
,Caitlin