Chandra Bheda

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The word chandra means ‘moon’ and bheda means ‘to pierce’ or ‘to pass through’. In this practice breath passes through the left nostril. Left nostril represents Ida nadi which represents lunar energy. This is why it is named chandra bheda pranayama. Through this practice, Ida nadi (mental energy) is stimulated and the organs in the upper body become calm and relax.

Techniques:

• Sit in a comfortable meditative posture of your choice
• Fold the index and middle finger of the right hand
• Spine, shoulder, neck and head are kept erect
• Softly close the right nostril completely with the tip of the thumb
• Inhale through the left nostril
• Close the left nostril completely with the tip of ring and small finger
• Exhale from right nostril and complete one cycle
• Start with five cycles and try to achieve ten cycles

Benefits:

• Promotes introversion
• Improves control over hunger and thirst
• Reduces body heat
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Calms the mind
• Induces muscular relaxation
• Promotes mental tranquility

Contraindications:

• Low blood pressure
• Depression
• Cough and cold
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Constipation