What is Chandra Bhedana Pranayama?

“Chandra” refers to the moon, and “Bhedana” means piercing or penetrating. Thus, translated literally, Chandra Bhedana Pranayama means “piercing the moon channel.” In yogic traditions, the left nostril is associated with the moon itself-as in cooling energy-while the right nostril is associated with the sun, or heating energy. This practice, then, is all about drawing in the cool, calming energy of the moon.

How to Practice Chandra Bhedana Pranayama

Find a Comfortable Seat
Sit in a comfortable position, cross-legged on the floor or on a chair. Keep your spine straight, shoulders relaxed, and eyes gently closed.

Prepare Your Hands
Right-handed individuals take the right thumb and close the right nostril, while the left hand can simply stay on the knee or in the lap.

Inhale through the Left Nostril
Inhale very slowly and profoundly through your left nostril. Try to take a long, comfortable breath in, filling your lungs as much as possible.

Exhale through the Right Nostril
After inhaling, close the left nostril with the ring finger, releasing the right nostril. Slowly exhale via the right nostril.

Repeat the Cycle
Inhale again through the left nostril, then exhale through the right. Continue for 5-10 minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable.

Normal Breathing to Conclude
When you are ready to conclude your practice, take a moment to sit quietly and simply breathe. Take note of changes in mind and body.

Benefits of Chandra Bhedana Pranayama

Reduces Stress and Anxiety
This will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may help lower your stress hormones and cool your body.

Cools the Body and Mind
If you are overheated or anxious, Chandra Bhedana cools the body and mind. This is quite useful during hot weather or when too much stress builds up in certain situations.

Improves Focus and Concentration
This can heighten your mental clarity by soothing the mind, hence improving your focus. It is good to do this before studying, working, or making a big decision.

Improves Sleep
Doing the practice of Chandra Bhedana before going to bed will help in relaxing and preparing the mind for sleep. The nervous system gets relaxed and, hence, one will be able to sleep more easily.

Balances Your Emotions
The serene energy from this pranayama can balance your emotions when you’re feeling excessively stressed or haunted by emotional turmoil.

Aids in Digestion
When you are going through stress, digestion may suffer. Chandra Bhedana relaxes the body and supports good digestion because of the release in tension in the gut.

It’s Here Surya Bhedana Pranayama how to do it and what are benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can everybody perform Chandra Bhedana Pranayama?
Yes, most people should be able to do this breathing technique without issue; however, if there is some sort of respiratory concern, consult with the healthcare professional prior to making any attempt at doing so.

2. How long shall I do this for?
Begin with 5 minutes and work one’s way up to 10-15 once more comfortable.

3. Can this be done every day?
Absolutely! It is a safe practice that you can include in your daily routine, mostly when you feel the need to be relaxed.

4. What is the difference between Chandra Bhedana and Surya Bhedana?
Chandra Bhedana is performed by emphasizing inhaling through the left nostril, which carries a cooling energy; Surya Bhedana is performed by emphasizing inhaling through the right nostril because it carries a warming energy.