When you cannot handle the mind directly, it can be handled through correct breathing. The mind is like a kite and the breath is like the string, explains Ravi Shankar, the spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation — an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization.
His statement summarizes the idea that one can become healthier by just adjusting one’s breathing and becoming more conscious of it.
Farida Iqbal, Reiki Master and certified instructor of the Art of Living Foundation, offers in Jeddah courses and introductory talks about the program and its endless benefits for the health of the human mind and body. Arab News had a chance to catch up with her between sessions of meditation and yoga and got a little taste of the breathing action.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (nah-dee show-DAH-nah) is the alternate nostril breathing exercise. Nadi meaning “channel” and shodhana meaning “cleaning or purifying,” — the activity clears the energy channels of your body. The synchronization of the two hemispheres of the brain, reduction of stress and anxiety and the lowering of the heart rate are said to be other benefits of the pose.
How to do the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama?
Sit comfortably with eyes closed and spine erect. Relax your shoulders and face.
Inhale deeply, and then exhale. Repeat this twice.
Keep the left hand in Chin Mudra — with the tip of the thumb lightly touching the tip of the index finger.
Place your right thumb on the right nostril and ring finger on the left nostril. Lightly massage between your eyebrows with your index and middle fingers.
Gently close your right nostril with your thumb and deeply inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring finger as you open and exhale slowly from the right nostril.
Keep the right nostril open, inhale, and then close it. Now open and exhale slowly through the left nostril. This is one cycle. Repeat seven to nine cycles.
Relax, take a deep breath, and gradually begin to open your eyes.
To enquire about fees and times, please contact Farida Iqbal at: 0502675802 or e-mail [email protected]
