Pranayama: Alternate Nostril Breathing

Pranayama is an essential part of yoga. We have been learning a variety of breathing exercises in our teacher training which I happen to enjoy very much. This week we are practicing Alternate Nostril Breathing which creates whole brain functioning by balancing the right and left hemispheres.To do this breathing exercise you start by sitting comfortably in a cross-legged position or in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt pose.) Keep your spine straight and place your left hand on your left knee. To set up your right hand start by extending the right thumb, ring finger and little finger then fold down your other two fingers (or peace fingers) into your palm in Vishnu Mudra. Start by closing your right nostril with your thumb and inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril. Lift the thumb from the right side of the nose, opening the right nostril while blocking the left nostril. Exhale slowly and fully through the right nostril. Inhale slowly and deeply through the right nostril, still holding the left nostril. Release the left nostril and exhale through the left nostril while blocking the right. Repeat cycle 5 to 12 times.Give it a try! It would leave you balanced, calmed and relaxed.LIGHTRAIL YOGA TEACHER TRAININGhttp://www.lightrailyoga.com/