Left Nostril Breath
In yogic breathing practices, special attention is paid to which nostril we’re inhaling or exhaling through, because of the different effects on the nervous system and brain hemisphere arousal. Before modern science was able to show the relationship between the left side of the body, including the left nostril, and the right hemisphere of the brain, for example, the ancient yogin and sages understood these different energetic effects.
When we breathe through the left nostril, as in Left Nostril Yoga Breathing (LNYB), the right hemisphere of the brain has been shown to be more active. Right hemisphere function is thought to be responsible for access to present moment awareness/mindfulness, creativity, and relationships.
When the right hemisphere is dominant, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, creating the conditions for calmness, healing and restoration. When we’re in this parasympathetic arousal, we have greater access to compassion, kindness, joy and equanimity.
LNYB is considered a “Langhana” practice, and is thought to enhance the flow of Prana through the Ida nadi, the energy channel/nadi, which ends at the left nostril. Ida Nadi has the qualities of feminine, lunar, cooling and receptiveness.
Whether you want to support a calm and relaxed nervous system, you want to boost your creativity, or you want to tap into the feminine qualities of rhythm and flow, LNYB can help you prepare your nervous system and brain to get there.
Left Nostril Yoga Breathing Instructions:
Sit tall and place your R thumb up against the R nostril with your fingers pointing up.
Inhale and exhale slowly through L nostril, while making the exhalation a little longer than the inhalation.
You may also choose to rest at the bottom of your exhalation (external retention) for a second or two, before you take your next inhalation again.
Practice this for 3 minutes or more.
Then release your right hand to rest in your lap, and then practice the breathing exericise/pranayama without your finger manipulating your nostril. Rather, focus your attention on the sensations of air entering and exiting your left nostril. Feel the coolness of the inhalation and the warmth of the exhalation. Notice the way your left nostril slightly flares open as you inhale, and softens as you exhale. Practice “mental” LNYB for another minute or more.
Finally, rest for a breath or more to notice the effects of LNYB.