How Alternate Nostril Breathing Works in the Brain. A calming meditation practice.

Alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, involves breathing through one nostril at a time. This practice activates different parts of the brain, leading to various physiological and neurological effects.

Its good to understand why this breathing and meditation practice is so beneficial for us, so here’s a quick breakdown:

It's all to do with ‘Brain Hemisphere Interaction’

The left nostril is associated with the right hemisphere of the brain, which is linked to creativity, intuition, and holistic thought.

The right nostril corresponds with the left hemisphere, responsible for logic, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

Therefore, by alternating between nostrils, this practice aims to balance the activities of both hemispheres, encouraging a more integrated and harmonious state of mind.

In addition, alternate nostril breathing practices like this are also understood to activate the ‘Autonomic Nervous System’

Alternate nostril breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This response lowers heart rate and blood pressure, inducing a state of calm.

We also know that focusing on nasal breathing increases oxygen levels in the blood, providing better nourishment to the brain and improving overall cognitive function.

Not bad eh? But there’s more:

The practice may also stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and promote a feeling of well-being, and controlled breathing can help reduce cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress and anxiety.

We can incorporate this breathing into our mindfulness practice, which can lead to improved attention, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation.

This simply breathing practice is fantastic for creating a relaxed state and it's a great way to start any meditation or yoga session. Afterwards you feel calm but also have a real sense of clarity.

If you head over to my podcast and social media, you'll find a full guided audio of this breathing meditation practice.