The many benefits of alternate breathing

by ROSHANI ADHIKARY

FROM ISSUE # 199 (July 2012) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Music is awesome, there is no doubt about that. Sometimes, however, we all need a moment of silence to still our minds.

SHANTI THE DON

You may have heard your aunt or grandma raving about the wonders of Ram Dev's Pranayama (breathing) techniques, but have you ever actually tried one for yourself? You'll be surprised by the many ways this ancient exercise will improve your daily life!

Sitting in a cross-legged position with your spine nice and elongated, give a nice, high Thumbs Up to this alternate breathing exercise known to many Yoga practitioners as Anuloma Viloma.

After placing your right thumb over your right nostril, whip out your Peace Fingers!

Placing your Peace Fingers at your eyebrow center, it's time to give the finger... the ring finger that is. Gently hang your ring finger directly above your left nostril. 

With your right thumb pressing into your right nostril, your peace fingers at eyebrow center and your ring finger hanging above your left nostril, inhale a deep breath in. Retain the breath for a count of two seconds, release your thumb and exhale deeply through your right nostril, pressing into your left nostril with your ring finger.

Inhale deeply through the right nostril (alterna-ting sides) retain your breath again for a two-count, then pressing your right nostril with your thumb, release your ring finger and exhale deeply through the left nostril. This makes one full round, try and do this Anulom Viloma exercise daily for 5-10 minutes.

Sandeep Dhungel practises Anulam Viloma before Yoga class in Pranamaya Yoga Studio, Patan

Neurologists all agree: the criss- crossing alternate breathing helps contribute to optimum functioning for both sides of taszhe brain. Yes, you musicians guessed right! If you're looking to tap into your creativity more this simple form of meditation will definitely help.

Oxygen intake helps boost one's energy and performance. If you are an athlete or a worker, taking a few minutes out of your day to practice Anulam Viloma you may find you will perform better.

If you're looking to calm your mind and stabilize your nervous system, this is exactly what the Doctor ordered. Meditation is medication for an anxious mind.

Roshani Adhikary is a Certified Yoga Instructor. "Like" her on FaceBook:

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