Prana, pingala, ida and sushumna
Cycle of the breath
The Nasal Cycle: A Key to Calm in Meditation
Your breath naturally shifts between nostrils every 90 to 120 minutes—a rhythm called the nasal cycle. When the left nostril is dominant, the right brain hemisphere is more active, promoting calm, introspection, and openness. When the right nostril dominates, the left brain is engaged, increasing mental activity, focus, and restlessness.
For a peaceful meditation, it’s best to begin when your left nostril is dominant. To check, gently close one nostril with your finger and breathe through the other, then switch sides. The nostril with the stronger airflow is dominant.
If your right nostril is more open, wait or adjust by lying on your right side to encourage left-nostril flow. This small shift can make your meditation deeper and more stable.
In yogic terms, the left nostril connects to Ida nadi, the cooling, calming energy channel, while the right nostril links to Pingala nadi, the activating, warming flow. When both nostrils balance, Sushumna awakens, supporting inner stillness and clarity.
Aligning your meditation with the nasal cycle helps you settle into calm awareness, following the body’s natural wisdom.
Breathing: Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
Exercise description:
- Sit with cross legs in a meditation posture
- Close left nostril*
- Exhale through right notril, inhale through right
- Close right nostril
- Exhale through left notril, inhale through left
- (Repeat from step 1)
* For women begin close right nostril, and for men begin close left nostril.
Breathing: Ujjayi Pranayama (breath of deep sleep)
Exercise description:
- Sit with cross legs in a meditation posture
- Mouth closed, and breath through the nose
- Inhale and exhale through the back of the throat
- Be relaxed and aware of your breathing
- Continue for 5 minutes
It is important to be relaxed while breathing! Do the exercise as long as you wish, maybe 5 minuttes.
Understanding Nasal Cycle to enhance our day-to-day life.
Imagine tapping into your body’s natural rhythm to enhance your day-to-day life. The nasal cycle, that subtle shift in airflow between your nostrils, offers a fascinating glimpse into how our brain hemispheres might be working. When your left nostril is dominant, it’s believed that your right brain hemisphere—your creative, intuitive side—comes to life. This could be the perfect moment for artistic endeavors, free-flowing brainstorming sessions, or simply letting your imagination run wild.
On the other hand, when your right nostril takes the lead, your left brain hemisphere—the analytical, logical part—steps into the spotlight. This is an ideal time for tasks that require focus, problem-solving, or strategic planning.
By becoming aware of these subtle shifts, you can harmonize your activities with your brain’s natural ebb and flow. It’s like having an internal guide helping you choose the best moment for creativity or analysis. Embrace this natural cycle, and you may find yourself flowing more effortlessly through your day, aligning your tasks with your mind’s natural strengths.
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