Names
Surya Bheda Pranayama, Surya Bhedana Pranayama, Right Nostril Breathing
Surya means sun, Bheda means breaking through something. The right nostril is the doorway of Pingala Nadi, representing the sun energy, the hot energy or the masculine energy in our body. It is the energy which is responsible for activeness and physical work. By practicing this exercise we are intensively activating the sun energy or in other words making a break-through of sun energy by activating the right nostril breathing.
How to perform Surya Bheda Pranayama
For practicing this breathing exercise, sit comfortably in Siddhasana, Padmasana or Bhadrasana. Make the Vishnu Mudra. Close your left nostril with your little and ring finger. Now inhale deeply and slowly without making any noise. After completing the inhalation close your right nostril with your thumb. Make Kumbhaka and hold the breath. Now make Jalandhara Bandha. For exhalation, you go out of the Jalandhara Bandha Open the left nostril and exhale accordingly. You can repeat this pose in the same manner 3 to 5 times.
During the exercise the you should count in the following way:
Count to 2 during inhalation, to 8 while holding the breath and to 4 during exhalation. You can also count 4, 16, 8 or 8, 32, 16 if it fits you better.
Benefits of Surya Bheda Pranayama
Surya Bheda Pranayama is a very good exercise for Vata problems and cures problems with gas in the abdominal region.
It stimulates the brain and Kundalini energy as it activates the sun energy which increases the heat in the body.
It is helpful for women who are suffering from a lack of sexual desire or have problems to achieve an orgasm.
If you often have cold feet and hands do this exercise and get warm again!
Of course, if you have some knowledge about the chakras, this energy is also the energy of the third chakra, the fire and the heat. So at the same time you stimulate your Manipoor Chakra!
Focus Points
Make sure and be aware that you are actively breathing from the right nostril.
Tips and Help
You can start with the low counting and then increase it.
In the very beginning of your practice you can even start doing it without Kumbhaka (the holding) and Jalandhara Bandha. That will make you feel more comfortable with the breathing. Then you slowly introduce those elements into the exercise.
When to Avoid Surya Bheda Pranayama
It should not be performed if you are suffering from any kind of fever as it increases the heat your body. If you currently have diarrhea, please also avoid this pose.
People who have high Pitta or acidity should avoid this posture as well.