Nadi Suddhi

Pranayama

• Pranayama can be performed after the purification of the tubular channels. Pranayama which is performed for the purification of tubular channels is called ‘Anuloma-Viloma’ Pranayama.
• A beginner should begin practicing Pranayama with Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama.
• Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama begin very simple, a beginner can practice it with great ease and comfort.

Technique

• Sit in either Padmasana or Siddhasana.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb and inhale deeply through the left nostril.
• Then close both the nostrils, and practice ‘Antarika Kumbhaka’ (holding air in the lungs) for some time.
• Then close the left nostril and slowly exhale through the right nostril.
• Then close the left nostril and inhale through the right nostril.
• Close both the nostril.
• Then slowly exhale through the left nostril.
• This is one cycle or round of Nadi Suddhi Pranayama.
• Practice three or four rounds every day and gradually increase the number of rounds.
• When you master this practice, follow the set rhythm in ratio of 1: 2: 2 for this exercise which mean four second for inhalation, eight seconds foe retention of breath and eight seconds for exhalation.
• After a long practice, proceed to 1:4:2 which means if inhalation takes five seconds, retention of breath should be for twenty seconds and exhalation should take ten seconds.

Advantages

• This is considered to be the best variation of Pranayama. It cures the diseases of the lungs.
• It helps blood to get a large supply of oxygen with the result that blood is well purified.

Note:

• A person with abnormal blood pressure should not attempt Kumbhaka. 
• They should practise Puraka and Rechaka only. 
• They should gradually begin practicing Kumbhaka only after their blood pressure is normal.