Breathe

K and I learned new breathing techniques at a Yoga Relaxation class tonight. My favorite one was the Nodi Sudhona or "the sweet breath" or the Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise. With the thumb and ring finger on opposite sides of the nose, we inhaled through one nostril for 4 counts and out through the other for 6 counts, and repeated ten times. The instructor said this exercise helps to balance our breathing, which helps to balance our brains. I didn't quite understand what he meant so I looked it up. Here's some interesting info I found online which highlights how each breath and breathing properly make all the difference, and how awesomely interconnected the human body is.


Purpose
The body's nasal cycle is linked to brain function: when one nostril is obstructed, brain activity decreases on the side of the brain opposite it. The purpose of alternate nostril breathing is to promote health and balance by oxygenating both sides of the brain equally, so creative and logical thinking are both at their prime.


Potential
Although the point is to breathe through both nostrils evenly for balance and to be healthy, alternate nostril breathing can be used to target specific needs. Breathing through the right nostril will promote sharper thinking and more energy, while breathing through the left nostril will calm you and increase creativity.