9 reasons why you must practise nadi shodhana

Mar 30, 2025 TOI Lifestyle Desk

Boost your mind and body with nadi shodhana

Repeating Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, sharpens the mind, reduces stress, balances energy, and increases lung efficiency. This potent pranayama enhances general well-being, emotional balance, and peak health. Canva

Balances energy channels

Nadi Shodhana balances the flow of energy in the body, eliminates obstructions in the nadis (tactile energy channels), and facilitates a balanced state of mind, enhanced vitality, and emotional harmony Canva

Reduces stress and anxiety

This breathing exercise stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels, soothing the mind, alleviating stress, and promoting relaxation, and thus proves to be a great natural solution for anxiety. Canva

Improves focus and clarity

Increasing oxygenation to the brain, Nadi Shodhana enhances mental functions, improves concentration, and strengthens memory, and hence proves to be a great exercise for students and working professionals. Canva

Enhances lung function

Alternate nostril breathing strengthens respiratory muscles, expands lung capacity, and allows efficient oxygen exchange, supporting individuals with asthma or respiratory illnesses and promoting overall breath control Canva

Detoxifies the body

This pranayama detoxifies the blood by increasing oxygenation, removing toxins, and stimulating lymph drainage, supporting enhanced digestion, immunity, and cellular function Canva

Balances left and right brain hemispheres

Practicing Nadi Shodhana balances brainwaves, stimulating creativity, logical thinking, and emotional balance by balancing left (logical) and right (intuitive) brain hemispheres Canva

Lowers blood pressure

By inducing relaxation, Nadi Shodhana lowers elevated blood pressure, normalizes heart rate, and promotes cardiovascular well-being, making it an effortless yet effective technique for hypertension control. Canva

Strengthens immune system

Slow, rhythmic breathing enhances lymph flow, oxygenates the blood, and reduces inflammation, strengthening the body's defense mechanisms against infection, allergies, and chronic illness. Canva

Promotes emotional balance

By calming the nervous system, this pranayama exercise reduces mood swings, quiets emotional storms, and produces inner peace, and is a beneficial tool for mental and emotional well-being. Canva

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