Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Nadi Sodhana
Alternate nostril breathing that clears and balances both sides of the body and mind.
Meaning
What Nadi Sodhana Means
Nadi Sodhana, also known as Anuloma Viloma, is an alternate nostril pranayama that combines Surya Bhedana and Chandra Bhedana into a single cycle. Sodhana means to clean or purify: this is a balancing breath that affects both the physical nostril passages and the mental left and right sides of the brain.
The breath is soundless, moving in and out smoothly rather than with the forced rhythm of Breath of Fire or other faster techniques.
In Practice
How It’s Used
The technique alternates: inhale through one nostril, exhale through the other, inhale through that same nostril, then exhale through the first. In the afternoon, evening, or when overheated, start with the left nostril; in the morning or in cold temperatures, start with the right.
Because the sides of inhalation and exhalation change with each round, the breath is said to reach the more remote parts of the body and brain through the crossing of nadis at the chakras. It is used to calm and purify the nerves, settle the mind, and maintain body heat.
