Anuloma Viloma Breathing Technique

Anuloma Viloma is an Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique.  The yoga practitioner is inhaling through one nostril, retaining the breath for a few moments and then exhaling the air through the other nostril.  As a general rule the left nostril is considered the path of the Nadi, called Ida and the right the path of the Nadi called Pingala.  A healthy person is likely to predominantly breathe through the Ida nostril for approximately 2 hours and then the other nostril.

Due to a series of factors related to the unstable health conditions, many have their breathing rhythm disturbed.  In this case Anuloma Viloma restores, equalizes and balances the flow of Prana in their body.

There are six steps to follow when using this technique: First Tuck the index and middle finger into the nostrils to close them.  The thumb should be placed by the right nostril while the ring finger and little finger should be by the left.  Now start inhaling through the left nostril, closing the right with the thumb, while counting from one to four.

Second, hold the breath to the count of sixteen.

Third, exhale through the right nostril to the count of eight while the left nostril is closed by the little fingers.

Fourth, while counting to four inhale through the right nostril, while keeping the left closed.

Fifth, while counting to sixteen retain the breath by closing both nostrils.

Sixth, exhale through the left nostril while counting to eight and keeping the right nostril closed.