Photo: Keith Chambers

Celebrating National Wellness Month at Mothersource

August is the perfect time to focus on your well-being and embrace holistic practices that nurture your mind, body, and soul.

At Mothersource, we are dedicated to supporting you on your motherhood journey with tools and tips that promote balance, restoration, and rejuvenation.

Are you familiar with the ancient Ayurvedic practice of Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril Breathing, which offers numerous benefits for both daily wellness and postpartum recovery?

What is Nadi Shodhana?

Nadi Shodhana, also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, is a simple yet powerful pranayama (breathing) technique used in Ayurveda to balance the mind and body. This practice involves alternating the breath between the left and right nostrils, which helps to harmonize the brain’s hemispheres, calm the nervous system, and promote overall well-being.

Photo: Beth Steddon

How to Practice Nadi Shodhana

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit comfortably with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.

2. Close Your Eyes: Gently close your eyes and take a deep breath in through both nostrils.

3. Close Right Nostril: Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and exhale fully through your left nostril.

4. Inhale Through Left Nostril: Inhale deeply through your left nostril.

5. Close Left Nostril: Use your right ring finger to close your left nostril, release your right nostril, and exhale fully through your right nostril.

6. Inhale Through Right Nostril: Inhale deeply through your right nostril.

7. Alternate: Close your right nostril again with your right thumb, release your left nostril, and exhale fully through the left nostril.

8. Continue: Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breath and the sensations in your body.

Benefits of Nadi Shodhana for Daily Life and Postpartum

• Infuses the Body with Oxygen: Enhances oxygen flow throughout the body, boosting energy levels.

• Clears and Releases Toxins: Helps detoxify the body by promoting efficient breathing.

• Reduces Stress and Anxiousness: Calms the nervous system and alleviates anxiety.

• Balances Hormones: Supports hormonal balance, crucial during postpartum recovery.

• Alleviates Respiratory Irritants: Improves lung function and overall respiratory health.

• Balances Masculine and Feminine Energies: Harmonizes the body's energies, promoting overall balance.

• Fosters Mental Clarity: Enhances mental focus and clarity.

• Enhances Concentration: Improves cognitive function and concentration.

  (Credit: Banyan Botanicals)

Effects on the Brain

• Left Hemisphere: Associated with logical thinking, analytical skills, and language. Nadi Shodhana can enhance these cognitive functions by providing a calming effect on the nervous system.

• Right Hemisphere: Linked to creativity, intuition, and holistic thinking. This practice helps to stimulate creativity and intuition by bringing balance to the brain’s hemispheres.

Best Practices for Nadi Shodhana

• Morning Routine: Practice Nadi Shodhana on an empty stomach during the morning for optimal benefits. This will help set a calm and balanced tone for the rest of your day.

• Consistent Practice: Incorporate Nadi Shodhana into your daily routine to experience its full range of benefits.

Join Us in Celebrating National Wellness Month

This August, join us in prioritizing your well-being through the practice of Nadi Shodhana and other holistic wellness tips we’ll be sharing throughout the month. At Mothersource, we believe that a balanced, calm, and nourished mother is the cornerstone of a thriving family and longevity for all women to thrive. By incorporating practices like Nadi Shodhana into your daily routine, you can enhance your postpartum recovery and overall wellness.

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