Chandrabhedi Pranayam

Chandra or moon refers to the Ida nadi, lying to the left of the spine. The difference between this and Nadishodhan pranayam is that in Chandrabhedi we inhale from the left and exhale from the right only.

Starting posture 

- Sit in Sukhasan, or any other meditative posture, or even on a chair.

- Keep your back straight. This is important.

- The right hand should be in Pranav Mudra. Please see the image below.

- Keep the left hand on the knee, in Gyan Mudra

- Close the eyes gently

Steps

- Block the right nostril with the thumb

- Inhale through the left nostril to the count of 3 - 5

- Now block the left nostril with the two little fingers and exhale through the right nostril, to the same count 

- Both the inhalation and exhalation must be very slow and gentle 

- Complete five rounds, inhaling from left and exhaling from right 

- After completion, sit still for few moments.  Then gently open your eyes.

Note: You may gradually increase the count of inhalation and exhalation, and the number of rounds. However please do not force yourself beyond your physical comfort level.

Benefits

- Calms the mind and the nervous system

- Boosts concentration 

- Lowers Blood pressure 

Limitations

- Low BP

- Asthma, cold, cough