To blow away the January blues ... try Pranayama breathing

SOLAR AND LUNAR BREATHING

Background:

Prana – this subtle energy flows in either Ida or Pingala channels. Our energy system is usual more active in either the left or right sides, which are Ida or Pingala. Of the thousands of energy channels or (nadis), three are the most important: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna (central channel and the most important).

Solar and lunar breaths: The breath and the underlying energy, or Prana, usually flow predominantly on one side or other, the left or the right. Breath predominantly in the left nostril is described as cool, and sometimes referred to as feminine. The flow of Prana on the left is the lunar, and is called Ida. Breath flowing predominantly in the right nostril is described as hot, and sometimes referred to as masculine. The flow of Prana on the right is the solar, and is called Pingala.

Nostril dominance shifts: Usually we believe that we are breathing through both nostrils, although breath is normally dominant in one or the other. The dominance shifts from time to time during the day. For one with a well balanced body and mind, that shift of nostril dominance happens approximately once in ninety minutes. For other people, the shift may be much different. Sometimes one can be so off balance that one nostril remains dominant, which is a symptom of some physical, mental, or emotional difficulties.

Alternate nostril breathing

LUNAR BREATH

Position: raise the left hand as if making an oath – join the ring finger and thumb together. Raise the right hand stretch out the index finger and place it against the right nostril and then equally breathe in and out through the left nostril for about 4 minutes. Gently at first and stay with it as gradually the nostril will clear. Then breathe in – hold and interlace the fingers in front of the face – try and pull apart then exhale – do this three times.

Then to balance both sides start …

SOLAR BREATH

Position: raise the left hand and with the left thumb place it on the left nostril with the fingers pointing upwards. Place the right hand on the knee in Chin Mudhra (thumb and index finger joined together). Breathe through the right nostril co-ordinating it with the pumping action of the abdomen. Go gently at first and do this for about 2 minutes. Relax afterwards placing the hands on the lap and breathe normally – notice the quality of the breath. Stay for a minute or so and look through the third eye.

Benefits:

Lunar breath creates abundant white blood cells, which are responsible for guarding the body against unwanted viruses (ie colds). Our fear, shame, anger, frustrations and guilt are destructive emotions, which lead us to depression. They prevent the immune system from working properly. Lunar Breath heals the immune system by clearing out these unhealthy energies and restores vibrancy and positivity.

Breathing through the right nostril (Solar Breath) stimulates the Sun Energy making you more extrovert, enthusiastic. This breath keeps body weight down and aids digestions, giving you clarity of thought, making you more analytical and action orientated.