21-Aug-2011

Simmer Down

Cooling Yogic Breath

Is it hot enough for you? If so, cool yourself down with some simple yogic breathing techniques. Here’s a good one: Use your right thumb to close off your right nostril. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through the left nostril, with a long, slow inhale and exhale. As you draw your breath in, observe the subtle changes that take place in your body. Continue for 3 minutes.

How does it work? The ancient yogis drew a map of the human body that included two major nerve pathways, the Ida and Pingala. These energy channels cool or heat the body as needed and end in a nerve along the ridge of your nostrils. The Ida is located on the left nostril and is responsible for cooling the body. Breathing this way may be a bit difficult at first, but if you concentrate and stick with it for just a few minutes, an oasis of cooling awaits.

Recommended: Free Your Breath, Free Your Life: How Conscious Breathing Can Relieve Stress, Increase Vitality, and Help You Live More Fully by Dennis Lewis