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Conscious breathing exercises, or pranayama, are a big part of yoga, and they're among the key tools I use as a
psychologist particularly when working with clients who are experiencing stress or anxiety. In Western contexts,
diaphragmatic breathing is the most commonly known breathing technique but new scientic research is beginning to
shed light on other pranayama techniques and their benets.
Breathing consciously is a powerful act. The process of breathing sits directly at the interface of our voluntary nervous
system (aspects of our physiology under our conscious control) and our autonomic nervous system (aspects generally not
under conscious control). Its a direct path for us to communicate quickly to the brain via what we do with our body. It also
oers a direct link for balancing the sympathetic (ght-or-ight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-relax) branches of the
nervous system.
Nadi shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, where its thought to
harmonize the two hemispheres of the brain, resulting in a balanced in physical, mental and emotional well-being. While
science has yet to really explore what might be going on in terms of hemispheric functioning during this practice, recent
studies have conrmed some pretty powerful eects of this practice.
So here are three good reasons for practicing this pranayama:
1. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system <http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&
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This completes one round. Continue the pattern from steps 4-7 for as long as you wish. When youre nished: relax both
arms, sit and breathe naturally for a few moments before opening your eyes.
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