Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is a simple yet powerful practice that can be especially helpful for anyone in recovery from substance abuse. It’s part of a broader set of breathing techniques called pranayama, which help calm the mind and body, making it easier to manage stress and emotions—two areas that can feel overwhelming during recovery.
With Nadi Shodhana, you not only calm your nervous system and reduce stress, but you also balance both sides of the brain. This balance can improve mental clarity, focus, and decision-making, which are all essential tools when you’re navigating sobriety.
On the physical side, this practice boosts lung function and increases oxygen flow, leaving you feeling more energized and centered. It’s a grounding tool that helps reconnect you with your body, which can be incredibly powerful as you heal and build a stronger, healthier version of yourself. It also helps balance emotions, which is so important in recovery, supporting mindfulness and emotional regulation when things get tough. Pranayama, and Nadi Shodhana specifically, offer a simple, accessible way to support your mind, body, and spirit as you move forward on your recovery journey.
By the way, this is me in the video 🙂 in my Mill Valley yoga space. Want to meet and practice in-person sometime, just check my class schedule or send me a message