Next time you find yourself in a heightened state, taking a few minutes to practise ‘Nadi Shodhana Pranayama’ (alternate nostril breathing) can help to calm the mind and the nervous system.
This yogic breathing technique works by balancing yin and yang energies within the body, the ‘lunar and solar nadis’.
Alternating inhalation and exhalation through the right and left nostrils encourages communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Studies have shown this significantly increases oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, leading to a calm yet focused mental state.
Alternate nostril breathing balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which has a grounding effect, bringing us out our ‘fight or flight’ stress response.
When practised regularly overtime this breathing technique has been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol- the hormone which triggers our stress response.
Follow the link below for instructions on Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, and let us know how your experience was!