Surya Anuloma Viloma
A heating, unilateral breathing technique that isolates the right nostril to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. It rapidly increases alertness, body temperature, and metabolic rate, making it an effective tool for combating lethargy.
- 1Sit comfortably with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed.
- 2Adopt Nasika Mudra with your right hand, folding the index and middle fingers toward the palm.
- 3Use your right ring finger to gently but firmly close your left nostril.
- 4Inhale slowly and deeply through your right nostril.
- 5Exhale smoothly and completely through the same right nostril.
- 6Continue this continuous right-nostril breathing pattern for the duration of the practice.
Breathing exclusively through the right nostril stimulates the Pingala Nadi, which correlates clinically with left-hemisphere brain activation and sympathetic nervous system dominance. This unilateral airflow increases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and oxygen consumption, leading to heightened alertness, increased metabolic heat production, and improved cognitive focus.
Treats Symptoms
Target Metrics
Avoid if you have high blood pressure, anxiety, panic disorders, cardiovascular disease, or are experiencing a fever.
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