Yogic philosophy teaches that breathing through specific nostrils activates different energy channels and parts of the brain. Read on to learn about how the simple technique of Left, Right, or Alternate Nostril breathing can be used to energize, calm yourself, or create a deep sense of well-being and harmony.
Before you begin your practice, tune-in by chanting the mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
How to chant the mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Sit in Easy Pose with your spine straight. Press your palms together in Prayer Pose at the center of the chest, sides of the thumbs pressed against the sternum. With your eyes closed, focus your concentration at the Third Eye Point located between the eyebrows at the root of the nose, about a half inch under the skin. Inhale deeply and as you exhale chant Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, on one breath. The sound Dev is chanted a minor third higher than the other sounds. If you cannot chant it all on one breath, take a short breath after Ong Namo. Repeat the mantra three times. The meaning of Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo is: I call on the creative infinite consciousness of the universe. I call on the divine wisdom within me.
What It Is
Yogic philosophy teaches that the nostril on the right is our “sun nostril” which regulates our energy level, while the left nostril is our “lunar nostril” which regulates our emotions. The quality of prana processed through the two nostrils corresponds with the qualities associated with the two sides of the brain.
This is where we can see neuroscience and yogic science overlapping: the left hemisphere of the brain controls the logic-oriented, masculine sun-energy, and the right hemisphere controls intuition and creativity, which is influenced by feminine moon-energy. The nerves of these two brain hemispheres cross at the level of the eyebrows; the left hemisphere is connected to the right side of the body and the right nostril, whereas the right hemisphere is connected to the left side of the body and the left nostril.
Access the complete practice
To view full instructions, images, and additional details for this practice, please log in or join our community.
✨ See Premium Member Benefits
- Full access to all practice instructions
- Exercise timers
- Practice notes & testimonials
- Solstice discounts and course offers
- Exclusive PDFs & mantra music (coming soon)