As special type of pranayama known as nadi shodhana pranayama is recommend for cleansing the arteries and nerves so that vayu or vital air can pass without any kinds of stoppages or blocks. Below are the important steps of Nadi Shodhana pranayama. The main benefits of the procedure is long life with good health.
The importance of the removal of impurities from the arteries and nerves is stressed in Hatha Yoga Pradipika (II. 3-10). The book states that it is necessary to conserve or stabilize the vital air inside the Sushumna nadi by way of practicing pranayama (breath control).
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Steps
In nadi shodhana pranayama, puraka (inspiration) through the left nostril is followed by kumbhaka (retention of breath), and then recaka (expiration) through the right nostril. Then the right nostril is used for inspiration and the left one for expiration. This makes one round.
When through persistent intense practice the aspirant practices four sittings in a day and eight rounds in each sitting, the nadis get purified and cleansed and one can hold breath at will without any conscious effort as result of nadi shodhana. That is called the state of kevala kumbhaka.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Benefits
- It arouses the sleeping Goddess Kundalini, which rises up through the inner path of the Sushumna nadi and opens the six lotuses and three granthis (knots of ignorance) on its way. That ultimately brings emancipation from rebirth.
- The practitioner will get rid of all extra fat from the body and become slim.
- A glow of well-being will spread all over the face.
- The person will be able to hold the breath at will.
- The digestion power of the practitioner of Nadi Shuddhi will improve greatly and there will be freedom from all disorders.