Benefits & process of Anulom-Vilom Pranayam

Anulom Vilom Pranayam is one of the best easy breathing exercises for entire purification of body as well as mind. It completely cures most of the internal body diseases. It vanish stress of body and mind.

It enhances the inner strength of body as well as the divine powers. The anulom-vilom practitioner experiences his life happy and full of optimism. This is also known as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.

Every body can practice anulom vilom pranayam including small children, old age people and patients. It is very easy and significant breathing exercise for everyone.

Place for Pranayam:

The best place for pranayama is peaceful, holy river bank or some open area like garden with greenery, where atmosphere is full of oxygen in early mornings.

Pranayama can also be practiced in peaceful, neat and clean rooms with the arrangements of fresh and healthy oxygen.

The best time for pranayama practice is early morning along with empty stomach. It can also be practice later after having food but you need to take gap of “Five Hours” between meal & practice.

After pranayama, food should NOT be avoided for at least 20 minutes, once your body gets relaxed drink a glass of water first and then you can have anything.

At the time of practicing yoga or pranayama you need to wear loose cloth or cloth in which you feel comfortable. Pranayam is practice in anyone of comfortable poses of yogasana like Padmasana, Siddhasana, Vajrasan or Sukhasana sitting on the floor on yoga mat. During this pranayam Spinal cord must be straight. ‘Anulom’ is a Sanskrit word which means ‘alternate’. Therefore Anulom-Vilom is also called “Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique”. For closing nostrils alternatively you need to use ‘right hand thumb’ and ‘second & third fingers’ (Madhyama and Anamika). Keep the palm in front of face and above the nose to avoid interruption in flow of breath from nostrils.

Process of Anulom Vilom Pranayam:

Close the right nostril with the right hand thumb. ‘Inhale’ slowly through the left nostrils till the lungs are completely filled with oxygen, it is known as Puraka. Then close the left nostril with the second and third fingers and open the right nostril to ‘exhale’ but slowly, this is known as Rechaka. Exhale till the lungs are completely empty. The process of ‘inhale with left nostril and exhale with right’ is “one cycle”. Then ‘inhale with right nostril and exhale with left’ is the “second cycle” and so on.

While doing this pranayama, mentally repeat the mantra “OM”. It is helpful for meditation and unites the body with spiritual power.

Duration of Anulom Vilom

It should be practiced for 3 minutes daily, at least in the beginning or as per body strengths. It can be practiced ideally for about 15-20 minutes per day, maximum. If possible it can be practiced twice daily in the early morning and evening time.