Alternate Nostril Breathing: Harnessing the Power of Brain Hemisphere Dominance (Nadi Sodhana)

Summary

This yoga instructional script emphasizes the importance of consulting a physician before starting a yoga practice, especially for pregnant individuals. It advises modifying poses for comfort and safety, and listening to one's body. The script introduces the 'alternate nostril breath' technique, beneficial for allergies and sinus health, recommending starting with a few rounds and increasing over time. It provides guidance on hand positioning and the breathing process, highlighting the health benefits of balanced nasal breathing.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Consult a physician before starting a yoga practice, especially if pregnant, to ensure safety and proper pose modifications.
• 🤰 Discuss your yoga practice with an instructor if you are pregnant, as modifications may be needed as your pregnancy progresses.
• 🚶‍♂️ Practice yoga at your own pace, adjusting poses to maintain proper alignment and easy breathing.
• 😌 Listen to your body and modify or rest if you experience discomfort, dizziness, or pain during your practice.
• 👃 The alternate nostril breath is a highly regarded yogic breathing exercise, but it requires clear sinuses to practice effectively.
• 👁️ Blow your nose to clear it before starting the alternate nostril breath to ensure unobstructed airflow.
• 🤞 Use a specific hand posture for the alternate nostril breath, with the thumb for the right nostril and the last finger for the left.
• 🔄 The alternate nostril breath involves a cycle of inhaling through one nostril, closing it, and then exhaling through the other.
• 🧘‍♀️ Begin with a few repetitions of the alternate nostril breath and gradually increase the number of rounds over time.
• 🌬️ The practice helps to improve sinus health and balance, as we don't typically breathe equally through both nostrils throughout the day.
• 💪 The exercise is beneficial for allergies, aiding in clearing out the sinuses and maintaining the strength of the nasal passages.

Q & A

What is the first recommendation given before starting a yoga practice?

Consult your physician before beginning your yoga practice, especially if you are pregnant or have any health concerns.

Why is it important to discuss your yoga practice with your instructor if you are pregnant?

As your pregnancy progresses, you will need to modify or avoid certain poses to ensure safety and comfort for both you and your baby.

What should you do if you feel discomfort, dizziness, or pain during your yoga practice?

Modify the pose to alleviate the discomfort, or take a moment to rest. It's crucial to listen to your body and practice in a safe and comfortable manner.

What is the name of the breathing exercise introduced in the script?

The breathing exercise introduced is called the alternate nostril breath.

Why is it suggested that you have clear sinuses to practice the alternate nostril breath?

Having clear sinuses is important because the exercise involves closing off airways with fingers, and allergies or sinus congestion could make it difficult or uncomfortable to perform.

What is the initial hand posture for the alternate nostril breath exercise?

The initial hand posture involves keeping the thumb and little finger up, with the index and second fingers down, and the third finger can be gently brought down if needed.

How do you begin the alternate nostril breath exercise?

Start by placing the thumb on the right nostril to close it off, then inhale through the left nostril, close the left with the last finger, open the right, and exhale.

What is the purpose of practicing the alternate nostril breath exercise?

The alternate nostril breath is beneficial for allergies, helps to clean and clear the sinuses, and promotes balance by allowing each side of the nasal tract to remain healthy and strong.

How many repetitions or rounds should you start with when practicing the alternate nostril breath?

Begin with five to six repetitions or rounds and gradually increase the number over time.

Why is it important to relax your body while practicing the alternate nostril breath?

Relaxing your body allows the air to flow smoothly through the nostrils, enhancing the effectiveness of the breathing exercise and promoting a sense of calm.

What does the script suggest about our daily breathing pattern?

The script suggests that we don't breathe completely through both sides of our nasal tract throughout the day; we switch which side is dominant for inhalation and exhalation.