Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a robust respiration approach that provides a singular solution to join with the calming and cooling qualities of the moon. This method is particularly helpful throughout instances of heightened feelings or when you end up overwhelmed by the warmth and depth of life. It cools the thoughts, soothes the nervous system, and melts away stress and pressure. Study to revive your equilibrium by activating the calming power of the moon to chill the flames of your wishes and discover a sense of interior stability.
What’s Chandra Bhedana Pranayama?
Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a yogic respiration approach generally known as Single Nostril Breath, Moon-Piercing Breath or Left Nostril Respiration. The Sanskrit phrase Chandra interprets to “moon,” whereas Bhedana means “piercing” or “penetrating.” Pranayamainterprets to “breath management” or “breath growth.” Due to this fact, Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a breath management apply that’s believed to have a cooling and calming impact on the physique and thoughts, much like the soothing power of the moon.
Chandra Bhedana Pranayama makes use of a singular sample of inhalation and exhalation by means of totally different nostrils to activate the cooling, calming and female power of the moon. The objective of this respiration apply is to purify enhance the movement of prana (life power) within the Ida or Chandra Nadi (the left power channel) and stability the physique’s power.
Yogis historically use the Vishnu Mudra hand gesture throughout Chandra Bhedana Pranayama. A mudra is a gesture or “seal” that’s believed to channel and direct power inside the physique. This mudra stimulates the lungs and coronary heart and facilitates stability and equilibrium. Vishnu is a Hindu deity that represents the power of stability, preservation and sustenance. Whereas the usage of this mudra is optionally available, it could actually infuse the expertise of Chandra Bhedana Pranayama with a deeper sense of concord, intention, and equanimity.
The apply of Chandra Bhedana Pranayama originates from the Yoga Chudamani Upanishad, one of many seminal texts of Kundalini and Tantra Yoga. This historic textual content describes the approach as a technique for purging unhealthy karma and purifying the Chandra or Ida Nadi, in addition to for awakening Kundalini power. The precise identify “Chandra Bhedana Pranayama” and its related practices have been developed and named by later yogis primarily based on the rules supplied within the Upanishad.
When to Use Chandra Bhedana
This pranayama could be practiced at any time of the day, however it’s significantly helpful when carried out within the night or at evening. Its calming and soothing power is good for rest and making ready for sleep. It’s particularly helpful if you end up feeling anxious, pressured, and overwhelmed or are experiencing extreme physique warmth. Practising throughout a full moon or when the moon is seen within the sky can improve the results of this Pranayama.
The right way to apply: step-by-step directions
- Correct posture
Select a quiet and peaceable house the place you gained’t be disturbed throughout your apply. You possibly can optionally mild some candles or dim the lights to create a serene environment that enhances your apply. Discover a snug place, both seated on the ground or in a chair. Ensure your backbone is straight, your shoulders are relaxed, and your physique is relaxed. - Breath consciousness
Gently convey your consideration to your breath and observe the pure rhythm of your inhalation and exhalation. Really feel the mild rise and fall of your chest as you inhale and exhale. Change into absolutely current on this second, letting go of any distractions or worries which may be weighing you down. Slowly transfer right into a aware diaphragmatic respiration sample, permitting your breath to sluggish and deepen. - Hand gesture (mudra)
To reinforce the apply of Chandra Bhedana Pranayama, convey your proper hand into Vishnu Mudra. Curl the index and center fingers of your proper hand in direction of your palm, whereas extending the thumb, ring finger, and pinky finger. - Alternate nostril respiration
Practising just a few rounds of Nadi Sodhana Pranayama is optionally available however may also help put together the physique and thoughts for this highly effective breathwork approach. - Inhale by means of the left nostril
Use your proper thumb to softly shut your proper nostril. Take a sluggish and deep breath by means of your left nostril. Really feel the coolness of the breath because it enters your physique, bringing a way of peace and rest. - Maintain the breath in
After inhaling, gently press the ring and pinky fingers towards the left nostril to shut it off. Maintain the breath for a second, permitting the power to settle inside you. Don’t pressure or pressure the breath retention. Discover a snug length that works for you, beginning with just a few seconds and regularly rising as you change into extra snug with the apply. - Exhale by means of the proper nostril
Launch your thumb from the proper nostril, however maintain the ring and pinky fingers pressed towards the left nostril. Exhale slowly and fully by means of your proper nostril. As you exhale, really feel any pressure or stress leaving your physique, making house for calmness and serenity. - Repeat
Proceed this cycle of inhaling by means of the left nostril, holding the breath, and exhaling by means of the proper nostril for just a few extra rounds. Purpose to keep up a sluggish and regular rhythm, syncing your breath together with your actions. Calm down into the apply, permitting a sluggish and regular rhythm to change into established. - Combine
After finishing your apply, take a second to replicate on the sense of calm and serenity that you’ve got cultivated inside your self. Discover in case your thoughts feels clearer, your physique feels extra relaxed, and your power feels balanced.
Advantages of Chandra Bhedana Pranayama
- Clears and purifies the nadis
A daily apply of Moon-Piercing Breath may also help to activate, clear and purify the Ida Nadi. This power channel runs alongside the left aspect of the backbone and is related to the cooling, calming, and nurturing power of the moon. - Calms the thoughts
This breathwork approach prompts the parasympathetic nervous system, also called the remainder and digest response, resulting in a state of rest and tranquility. Common apply of this pranayama approach can result in a calmer thoughts, improved focus, and an total discount in stress ranges. - Balances the feelings
By activating the Ida Nadi, which is linked to the lunar power, this Pranayama approach may also help scale back emotions of hysteria, irritability, and anger. Common apply can result in a extra balanced emotional state, selling a higher sense of interior peace and concord. - Regulates physique temperature
The moon-piercing breath is understood for its cooling impact on the physique. By activating the cooling power of the moon, this pranayama approach can present reduction from extreme warmth and enable you really feel extra snug in your surroundings. It’s particularly useful throughout sizzling climate, experiencing sizzling flashes, feeling overheated in sizzling yoga, or with signs of irritation. - Awakens Kundalini
An intense and day by day apply of Chandra Bhedana is believed to awaken Kundalini, the dormant power which resides on the base of the backbone. This highly effective power, when woke up, can stimulate religious progress and create a deeper reference to oneself and the universe. Common apply of this pranayama approach may also help to activate and stability the power facilities (chakras) within the physique, resulting in a higher sense of vitality and religious awakening.
Cautions and contraindications
Whereas this pranayama apply presents quite a few advantages, it is very important pay attention to sure cautions and contraindications to make sure a protected and efficient apply.
- New college students
That is a sophisticated pranayama approach that requires a sure degree of expertise and understanding of breath management. It shouldn’t be tried by inexperienced persons or those that are new to yoga. It is strongly recommended to start out with easier pranayama practices and regularly progress in direction of this method below the steering of a certified yoga trainer. - Being pregnant
Pregnant ladies ought to keep away from any practices that may doubtlessly alter the physique’s pure stability. It’s best to seek the advice of with a certified prenatal yoga teacher or healthcare supplier for steering on appropriate respiration methods throughout being pregnant. - Low physique temperature or chilly signs
This cooling pranayama apply can additional lower physique temperature and doubtlessly worsen signs akin to chills, congestion, or a runny nostril. It’s advisable to keep away from this pranayama in the course of the winter season, in case you are feeling chilly or have a low physique temperature. It’s advisable to attend till the physique temperature returns to regular earlier than trying this apply. - Bronchial asthma or respiration problems
The Kumbhaka breath retention used on this apply could irritate signs for people with bronchial asthma or different respiration problems. The extended breath retention can put extreme pressure on the respiratory system, doubtlessly resulting in shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. It’s essential for people with these situations to seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled earlier than trying Chandra Bhedana Pranayama. - Hypertension or coronary heart situations
The breath retention approach concerned on this pranayama can quickly improve the guts price and blood stress. Whereas this may be helpful for some people, it might pose a danger for these with pre-existing coronary heart situations or uncontrolled hypertension. You will need to seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled to find out if this pranayama is appropriate and to obtain steering on modifications or alternate options.
Observe suggestions
- Steadily improve the length
Begin with just a few rounds of this breath, regularly rising the length of every inhalation, breath maintain, and exhalation. - Observe the results
As you proceed training Chandra Bhedana Pranayama, be aware of any adjustments in your psychological and emotional state. Many practitioners report feeling a way of calmness, improved focus, and decreased anxiousness after common apply. - Keep away from forcing the breath
Let the breath movement naturally and easily to Observe this pranayama with ease and with out pressure. If you happen to really feel any discomfort or pressure, gently launch the approach and return to your regular respiration. - Search steering from a certified trainer
In case you are new to pranayama or have any underlying well being situations, it’s advisable to hunt steering from a certified yoga trainer or healthcare skilled earlier than trying Chandra Bhedana Pranayama. They will present customized steering and be sure that the approach is appropriate to your distinctive wants. - Add root lock or stomach lock
Superior practitioners can incorporate one of many bandhas in the course of the inside or exterior breath retention to extend the depth of the pranayama. Mula Bandha, the foundation lock, could be engaged on the inhalation by drawing the perineum upward in direction of the navel. Uddiyana Bandha, the stomach lock, could be engaged on the exhale by drawing the stomach in and up in direction of the backbone.
Closing ideas
While you incorporate the Moon-Piercing Breath into your day by day routine , you invite a deep sense of calm and interior peace into your life. Permit this apply to change into a sanctuary for you, a sacred house the place you possibly can join together with your interior self and discover solace within the soothing presence of the moon. Let or not it’s a reminder that simply because the moon goes by means of phases, so can we. And in embracing these phases, we are able to study to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.