What is Anulom Vilom Pranayama? Benefits & Steps

What is Anulom Vilom Pranayama?

Today’s people have become more stressed. It has become very difficult to live a balanced and peaceful life. Concerns and diseases affecting the nervous and circulatory systems have increased relatively.

Some people suffer from mental problems and some due to practical reasons. To keep himself calm and stable, he consumes various types of drugs, but they do not bring peace, rather they make life hell.

It is possible that smoking and drugs may help him forget his sorrow for some time, but this is not the solution to the problem. Those physical and mental disorders then Come back. We have seen experimentally that by adopting a powerful medium like Pranayama in life, we can solve many problems.


Pranayama is not an imaginary activity, but many of the immediately effective activities of Pranayama become subtler and subtler. Pranayama has many purposes, one of them is to provide long life while giving complete health. Through Pranayama, we can become happy by controlling the speed of breathing. We also see in nature that the animals and birds that breathe rapidly have a shorter lifespan.

Although Pranayama is done in many ways but ‘Anulom Vilom’ is the most popular and beneficial. Anulom means straight and Vilom means reverse. Anulom is related to the right nostril and Vilom is related to the left nostril.

The practice of Anulom Vilom infuses positive energy into the body, and also helps in reducing the risk of many diseases. Anulom-Vilom is a breathing yoga asana, the practice of which is safe for people of all ages.

Anulom-Vilom Pranayama, is a yogic breathing exercise that has many benefits. It helps balance both hemispheres of the brain, enhances lung function, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being.

Regular practice of Anulom-Vilom is believed to improve concentration, boost the immune system and maintain emotional balance. It is a valuable addition to a holistic approach to health and mindfulness. So let us know about the benefits, methods and precautions of Pranayama.

How to do Anulom Vilom Step by Step?

♦ Choose a meditative sitting posture on a yoga mat.

♦ Choose between Padmasana or Sukhasana.

♦ Keep the spine and neck straight and close the eyes.

♦ Close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand.

♦ Inhale through the left nostril.

♦ Now close the left nostril with the ring finger and little finger.

♦ Breathe through the right nostril.

♦ Now take a deep breath through the right nostril and close the right nostril.

♦ Then exhale rapidly through the left nostril.

♦ Initially do this exercise 8 to 10 times.

Anulom Vilom Pranayama Benefits

♦ Beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety. Reduces mental stress and calms the mind. There is a balance of breathing from inside through both the nostrils.

♦ By providing adequate amount of oxygen to the lungs, the lungs are able to function properly and they are able to throw out carbon dioxide properly.

♦ Blood circulation takes place well and it gets purified.

♦ The nadi system is purified, the nadis get strengthened, which helps in concentration or perception.

♦ Obstacles in the path of life energy are eliminated.
Ida-Pingala Nadis come into balance.

♦ Clearing blockages in arteries is beneficial in high blood pressure. Helps in controlling diabetes.

♦ It is beneficial in asthma, headache, stomach problems, mental distress and nerve related problems.

♦ Increases lung capacity and promotes efficient breathing, contributing to better respiratory health. Regular practice can improve mental focus and concentration by calming the mind.

♦ Anulom-Vilom can help control blood pressure and improve circulation, thereby aiding heart health.

♦ This practice strengthens the immune system, leading to better overall health. Anulom-Vilom may be beneficial in promoting relaxation, potentially improving sleep quality.

♦ Regular practice of Anulom-Vilom creates a feeling of emotional balance and stability.

Can Anulom Vilom Increase hemoglobin?

Anulom-Vilom helps in improving the breathing capacity of the lungs and thereby increases the amount of oxygen in the RBCs (red blood cells). Anulom-Vilom is not directly proven to increase hemoglobin.

To improve hemoglobin levels, focus on a balanced diet rich in iron and consult a health care professional for personalized advice.

Which pranayama is most powerful?

Different pranayamas have various benefits, and the effectiveness can depend on individual needs and goals. “Kapalabhati” is often considered powerful as it involves forceful exhalations, promoting increased oxygenation and energy.

However, it’s crucial to practice pranayamas safely and consult with a qualified instructor to determine the most suitable one for your specific health and well-being.

Anulom Vilom Pranayama Precautions

(1) It is beneficial to do this exercise in the morning in pure air on an empty stomach.

(2) Care must be taken not to put too much pressure on the chest muscles. Small children, pregnant women or elderly people should consult a yoga expert before doing this exercise.

(3) If you have had brain, heart or stomach surgery, follow your doctor’s advice.

(4) Keep the time of filler and laxative for this exercise as per your capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Anulom Vilom?

The duration of Anulom Vilom, a yogic breathing exercise, can vary. It is typically practiced for 15 to 30 minutes, but beginners may start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the technique.

What are the benefits of Anulom Vilom Spritually?

Anulom-Vilom provides spiritual benefits by promoting the balance of energies, enhancing clarity and focus, reducing stress, promoting awareness, harmonizing the body and mind, and facilitating the purification of subtle energy channels.

What will happen if I do Anulom Vilom daily?

Daily practice of Anulom-Vilom reduces stress, improves respiratory health, increases focus, balanced energy flow, improved emotional well-being, and potentially spiritual benefits over time.

What is the best ratio for Anulom Vilom?

The usual ratio of Anulom-Vilom is 1:2, which means that exhalation is twice as long as inhalation. For example, if you inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 8 counts. Adjust based on comfort and gradually increase the duration.

Is 5 minutes of Anulom Vilom enough?

While 5 minutes of Anulom-Vilom can be beneficial, longer durations, ideally 15-30 minutes, may provide more widespread benefits. Gradually increase the duration depending on your convenience and experience.

Can we drink after Anulom Vilom?

Yes, you can drink water after Anulom-Vilom. Take liquids only after waiting for a few minutes before consuming them.

Which disease Can be cured by Anulom Vilom?

Anulom-Vilom supplies better oxygen to the body, which helps in purifying the blood and removing any blockage. It helps control blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of any heart disease.

Who should avoid Anulom Vilom?

Anulom Vilom, a yogic breathing technique, is generally safe for most people. However, individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart problems, respiratory issues, or hypertension should consult a healthcare professional before practicing it. Pregnant women should also seek advice from their healthcare provider before attempting any new breathing exercises.

Is it ok to do Anulom Vilom at night?

Yes, practicing Anulom-Vilom (alternate nose breathing) at night is beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction. It helps calm the nervous system and promote better sleep. However, individual preferences vary, so if you find it energizing and not conducive to sleep, you can practice it earlier in the day.

Does Anulom Vilom reduce high blood pressure?

Anulom-Vilom helps reduce stress, which has a potential effect on blood pressure. However, it is important to consult a health care professional for personalized advice and not rely solely on breathing exercises to manage high blood pressure.

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