Astonishing Benefits of Anulom Vilom Pranayama

Yoga and Pranayama, these two terms are often recognized as complementary. People who are less known about the Yoga aspects, they tend to consider these both as one concept. Let's throw some light on it. Pranayama is one among the three aspects of Yoga that helps to form the body and mind connection and it also connects the moment with the breath. 

Pranayama basically means the extension of the prana (breathe or life force). Prana refers to ‘life force’ and Ayama refers to ‘restraining or control’. The breathing technique is designed to intentionally alter the breath to achieve good health and calm mind. These techniques are of many types and each of them has their own unique kind of significance and benefits.  One such popular Pranayama technique is ‘Anulom Vilom’.Many of us have practiced, seen or have at least heard of this Pranayama called Anulom Vilom. However, I am quite sure that we are not  much well versed with its awesome benefits and how it can actually shift your entire state of mind towards the path of peace and calmness.So, today I shall be giving you some really important benefits of this pranayama , some of it are from my personal experiences. 

Note: This can be done in the morning or in the evening. Ensure that you practice anulom vilom pranayama 4-5 hours after having your food. Cardiac or Blood pressure patients should not hold their breath while doing this pranayama just keep inhaling and exhaling. 

For those who are new to this term or type of Yoga, Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing exercise is one of the most beneficial breathing exercises that works great for treating the respiratory-related problems. It is the modern name for the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama used by Swami Kripalu. Its meaning states- Nadi-Channel and Shodhana- Purify. This Pranayama practice is a bundle of various benefits and gifts us the treasure of good health, sharp and calm mind and body as well. 

 How do we practice Anulom Vilom?

Step 1: Sit with an erect spine on the floor in Padmasana or Sukhasana position (as per your comfort).

• Step 2:Then, place your left hand on the knees in Chin Mudra- with the palms facing upwards and thumb and index finger touching each other.
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• Step 3:Now place the right-hand thumb on the right nostril, index and middle finger placed in between the eyebrows and the ring finger in the left nostril.
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• Step 4:Now close your eyes and then close your right nostril and breathe in from the left nostril.
• Hold the breath for few seconds and then close the left nostril and breathe out from the right nostril.
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• Step 5:Now inhale from the right nostril, hold, and exhale from the left. Continue the practice for 5-10 minutes.

Benefits of Anulom Vilom

This pranayama is really helpful to relieve depression, stress, and anxiety. Regular practice has known to be very helpful and useful in treating respiratory disorders such as Asthma, bronchitis, and so on. Studies on it state that by doing this alternate breathing exercise serious health disorders, such as heart problems, severe depression, high blood pressure, arthritis, migraine pain have been cured. Thinking becomes positive and you can overcome negative emotions such as anger, forgetfulness, uneasiness, and frustrations. It also improves concentration, patience, focus and decision-making ability.

Further, it improves lung capacity and oxygenation throughout the body and is effective pranayama for weight loss and streamlines metabolism. Commonplace disorders such as constipation, acidity, allergic problems, asthma, and snoring also get cured. Motivating factor for those who want glowing skin, this yoga is excellent workout for a naturally glowing skin.

It will clear out your nostrils every single day as the mucus come out while doing this yoga, even if you don't have any sort of cold or cough. Isn't it amazing? After I got to know about this, I was quite amazed. For females, doing this Yoga while having periods is good or not, I do not have proper idea about that. Some say its okay to do while having periods while some say it should be avoided. Please comment, your views (if any) on it. 

In a nutshell, this Pranayama helps to purify the entire nervous system along with healing and bringing mental clam, peace and tranquility. Believe me, it will make you fresh and active even if you did not have a sound sleep. It is an easy to do Yoga therapy for complete relaxation of mind, body, and soul. I request you to give it a try, and you will soon see the results.