Alternate Nostril Breathing

Alternate Nostril Breathing Nadi Shodhana www.yogatailor.com use with permission

During our practices over the past weeks we have been practicing Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Shodhana in Sandskrit. 
How to:
Sit in a comfortable position and begin to focus on your breath.
Rest the tips of  your index and middle fingers in the space between your eyebrows.  Allow your thumb to relax over your right nostril and your ring/pinky fingers to relax over your left nostril.  Inhale and block your right nostril with your thumb and exhale out your left nostril.  Inhale with your left nostril, block it off with your fingers as you release your thumb and exhale out your right nostril. 
Continue alternating sides as you breath. (Traditionally we use our right hand for our breathing, but the left can be used.)
Great Website with instructions: "How to Practice Alternate Nostrils Breathing in Yoga
https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-practice-alternate-nostril-breathing-in-yoga  
Here is a great "gif", visual of how to practice from www.yogatailor.com (Thank you Sydney!)
http://www.yogatailor.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/benefits-alternate-nostril-breathing-nadi-shodhan-yogatailor.gif
(same as above picture)
Benefits:  There are many benefits to Alternate Nostril Breathing.  The Livestrong website has an article "Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing" that  lists the following benefits:
- Revitalization
- Enhanced Lung Function
- Lung Cleansing
- Calmness
- Soothed Nervous System
- Temperature Regulation
- Enhanced Sleep Quality
http://www.livestrong.com/article/86731-benefits-alternate-nostril-breathing/
Give this pranayama a try and let me know how it works for you!

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