Improve Brain Power With Channel Breathing

Nadi Shadhana Pranayama, also called Channel Clearing Breath (it goes by other names as well) originated as part of Yoga breathing practices. 

For our purposes here, the idea of Channel Clearing Breath - or Channel Breathing as we'll call it ongoing - is to either balance the brain hemispheres so that they are working optimally together or to enhance performance in one or the other hemispheres.

When we refer to right and left hemisphere functions in our discussion, we're referring to hemispheric processes for the vast majority of right handed and most - but not all - left handed people. Some left handed and a small percentage of ambidextrous people have hemispheric specializations switched. Regardless of handedness or hemispheric specializations, anyone can benefit by practicing this method.

Examples of Hemispheric Specializations:

As an example of hemispheric specialization, let's assume someone is preparing to fill out complicated forms, balance their bank statement, complete accounting entries, or otherwise engage in activities that use sequential, linear brain processing. While we usually use both hemispheres for all activities to some degree, the left hemisphere normally leads in activities requiring linear, sequential processing such as accounting functions, rational analysis, language, and so forth. 

Our right hemisphere tends to be holistic, spacial, emotional, and artistic. If we are engaged in activities involving creativity, calming emotional states such as anxiety, or nonverbal symbolic explorations, we can apply Channel Breathing to enhance processing in the right hemisphere.

For most activities throughout our day, we are well served with balanced, cooperative processing between the right and left hemispheres. 

How Channel Breathing is Done to Enhance Left Brain Activities:

1. Close off left nostril with thumb or finger as you prepare to inhale
2. Breathe in through right nostril only for about four to six seconds
3. Hold breath for one or two seconds
4. Open left nostril and close off right nostril with thumb or finger as you prepare to exhale
5. Exhale though left nostril for four to six seconds
6. Repeat for two to three minutes for maximum effectiveness. 

If time or circumstances don't allow Channel Breathing for two to three minutes, shorter periods - even a few seconds - are beneficial.

You're now ready to tackle those left hemisphere tasks with added energy and brain power.

How Channel Breathing is Done to Enhance Right Brain Activities:

1. Close off right nostril with thumb or finger as you prepare to inhale
2. Breathe in through left nostril only for about four to six seconds
3. Hold breath for one to two seconds
4. Open right nostril and close off left nostril with thumb or finger as you prepare to exhale
5. Exhale through right nostril for four to six seconds
6. Repeat for two to three minutes for maximum effectiveness. 

After completing Channel Breathing to enhance right brain processing, you're now ready to think more creatively, handle emotional challenges in a calmer fashion, and receive more intuitive insights.

How Channel Breathing is Done for Optimum Balance Between Hemispheres:

1. Close off right nostril with thumb or finger as you prepare to inhale
2. Breathe in through left nostril only for about four to six seconds
3. Hold breath for one to two seconds
4. Open right nostril and close off left nostril with thumb or finer as you prepare to exhale
5. Exhale through right nostril for four to six seconds
6. Keep left nostril closed off
7. Breathe in through right nostril for four to six seconds
8. Hold for one to two seconds
9. Open left nostril and close off right nostril
10. Exhale through left nostril for four to six seconds
11. Repeat for two to three minutes for maximum effectiveness

As a reminder, if time or circumstances don't allow Channel Breathing for two to three minutes, shorter periods - even a few seconds - are beneficial.

Engaging in Balanced Channel Breathing two or three times a day will help keep your mind sharp, your body relaxed, and emotions dancing to the positive rhythms of life.

Stephen Carter

Stress Solutions, LLC
www.EFT-MD.com | www.EasyStressCures.com
804-677-6772

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licensed medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.