Monday, April 12, 2021

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama - 3

Technique 3: with Antar Kumbhaka (inner retention) 

In this technique antar kumbhaka or internal breath retention is introduced. The inhalation and exhalation should be silent, smooth and controlled. 


Stage 1

Begin with equal inhalation, inner retention and exhalation, using the ratio 1:1:1.

Close the right nostril and inhale slowly through the left nostril for a count of 5. 

At the end of inhalation, close both nostrils and retain the air in the lungs for a count of 5. 

Open the right nostril and exhale for a count of 5. 

At the end of exhalation, inhale through the right nostril for a count of 5, keeping the left nostril closed. 

Again, retain the breath for a count of 5 with both nostrils closed. 

Open the left nostril and exhale for a count of 5. 

This is one round using the ratio 5:5:5. 

Maintain constant awareness of the count and of the breath. 

Practise up to 10 rounds. 

Extension: After becoming comfortable with the count of 5:5:5, the breath and kumbhaka can be lengthened. Gradually increase the count by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 1 unit to the retention and 1 unit to the exhalation. The count of one round will then be 6:6:6. 

When this has been perfected and there is no discomfort, increase the count to 7:7:7. 

Continue in this way until the count of 10:10:10 is reached. 

Do not force the breath. At the slightest sign of strain reduce the count. 


Stage 2

After perfecting the ratio of 1:1:1, increase the ratio to 1:1:2. 

Initially use a short count. Inhale for a count of 5, perform internal kumbhaka for a count of 5 and exhale for a count of 10. 

Extension

After mastering the count of 5:5:10, gradually increase the count by adding one unit to the inhalation, one unit to the retention and two units to the exhalation. 

The count of one round will then be 6:6:12. When this has been perfected and there is no discomfort, increase the count to 7:7:14. 

Gradually increase the count over several months of practice until the count of 10:10:20 is reached. 


Stage 3

Change the ratio to 1:2:2. 

Inhale for a count of 5, do internal kumbhaka for a count of 10 and exhale for a count of 10. 

Practise until the ratio is comfortable and there is no tendency to speed up the count during retention or exhalation due to shortness of breath. 

Extension: When this has been perfected, the count can be gradually increased by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 2 units to the retention and 2 units to the exhalation. 

The count of one round will then be 6:12:12. 

In this manner, gradually increase the count to 10:20:20. 


Stage 4

The next ratio, 1:3:2, is intermediary. 

First reduce the count, inhale for a count of 5, do internal kumbhaka for a count of 15 and exhale for a count of 10. 

Practise until the ratio is comfortable and there is no tendency to speed up the count during retention or exhalation due to shortness of breath. 

Extension

When this has been perfected and there is no discomfort, the count can be gradually increased by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 3 units to the retention and 2 units to the exhalation. 

The count of one round will then be 6:18:12. 

In this manner, gradually increase the count to 10:30:20. 


Stage 5: 

The final ratio is 1:4:2. 

Begin with 5:20:10. Once the ratio has been established, the count can gradually increase. 

Extension

Add 1 unit to the inhalation, 4 units to the retention and 2 units to the exhalation.

The count of one round will then be 6:24:12. 

In this manner, gradually increase the count to 10:40:20. 


Contra-indications

Technique 3 is not suitable for women in the later half of pregnancy. 

It is not recommended for people with heart problems, high blood pressure, emphysema or any major disorders. 

Stage 2 is not recommended for asthmatics. 


Benefits

The inner retention of breath, which characterizes technique 3, activates various brain centres and harmonizes the pranas. 

The benefits increase with the progression of the ratios. The ratio 1:4:2 is most widely recommended in the yogic texts. It gives profound psychological and pranic effects and is used as a preparation for kundalini awakening.

No comments:

Post a Comment