What is Surya Bhedana Pranayama?
“Surya Bhedana Pranayama” is a yogic breathing technique where you inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. It is believed to increase alertness, produce heat in the body and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
This pranayama is often practiced in the morning and is associated with solar energy (Surya).
Its name itself suggests that Sun means heat. Just as hot rays emanate from the sun. She provides luminous energy to the entire world. Suryabhedi Pranayama also works in the same way. All the characteristics which are present in the Sun are present in Suryabhedi Pranayam. There are two openings in our nose, one representing the Sun and the other representing the Moon.
The straight opening of the nose represents the Sun and the reverse opening represents the Moon. The breath taken straight through the nose will be called Suryabhedi. One should avoid doing this asana during summer season.
Surya Bhedana Pranayama Steps
Sit comfortably: Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. You can use a cushion or blanket to support your posture.
Hand position: Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and use your ring finger to close your left nostril. Keep your index and middle fingers relaxed.
Breathing Pattern:
1.) Close your left nostril using your ring finger.
2.) Breathe in slowly and deeply through your right nostril.
3.) After inhaling, close your right nostril with your right thumb.
4.) Exhale completely through your left nostril.
Repeat: Continue this cycle, inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left nostril. Each inhalation and exhalation should be slow and controlled.
Duration: Start with a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
Focus on breathing: Throughout the entire exercise, focus on your breathing and maintain a calm and steady rhythm.
Benefits of Surya Bhedana Pranayama
♦ Makes parasympathetic nerves excessively active.
♦ Produces lung tissue and increases their capacity.
♦ Strengthens the digestive system and increases immunity.
♦ Destroys intestinal worms. This pranayama is beneficial in suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, mental distress and experiencing lack of energy etc.
♦ Corrects the balance of Kapha in the body. It provides warmth to the body of people whose hands and feet remain cold.
♦ Provides benefits to people suffering from asthma, cold, stomach gas problem, low blood pressure etc.
♦ This pranayama keeps away old age and death. Awakens Kundalini Shakti. Stimulates Agni or heat of the body.
♦ By practicing this pranayama, the heat inside the body increases a lot. You can experience this fact by practicing it during cold days.
♦ At the same time, this pranayama is very useful for making the consciousness extroverted of those who are in a depressed state or are introverted.
♦ It relieves Vata Dosha. It activates Pingala Nadi and awakens life energy.
♦ By increasing extroversion and dynamism, it enables physical activities to be performed more efficiently and helps in removing depression.
♦ It makes the mind more alert. This is a very good practice before meditation.
♦ It is also useful for treating low blood pressure, infertility and worms.
Difference between Surya Bhedana Pranayama and Chandra Bhedana Pranayama
The main difference between Surya Bhedana Pranayama and Chandra Bhedana Pranayama lies in the nostril used for inhalation and exhalation:
Surya Bhedana Pranayama:
• Inhale through the right nostril.
• Exhale through the left nostril.
Chandra Bhedana Pranayama:
• Inhale through the left nostril.
• Exhale through the right nostril.
Both practices are associated with solar (Surya) and lunar (Chandra) energies, respectively. Surya Bhedana is believed to activate the sympathetic nervous system and generate warmth, while Chandra Bhedana is thought to have a calming effect, influencing the parasympathetic nervous system.
The choice between them may depend on the desired outcome and the time of day, with Surya Bhedana often practiced in the morning for increased energy and Chandra Bhedana in the evening for relaxation.
Surya Bhedana Pranayama Contraindications
(1) The process of opening and closing the right and left swara remains the same as described in Chandrabhedi Pranayama. Keep the following things in mind-
(2) A person suffering from asthma should not do Kumbhaka for any longer duration in any pranayama. It is forbidden for a person with high blood pressure or a heart patient to stop breathing.
(3) A person suffering from fever should not do this exercise. This pranayama is considered for the person suffering from bile disorders, acidity etc.
(4) Never practice Surya bhedana Pranayama after meals, as it will hinder the natural flow of energy related to digestion.
(5) If it is practiced for more than 30 minutes, it can cause imbalance in the respiratory cycle. Surya bhedana is a powerful pranayama, it should be practiced only under skilled guidance.
(6) People suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy should not practice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio of Surya Bhedana?
The typical ratio for Surya Bhedana Pranayama is inhaling for a count of 4, holding the breath for a count of 16, and exhaling for a count of 8.
Who should avoid Surya Bhedana Pranayama?
People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or excessive heat in the body should avoid Surya Bhedana Pranayama.
What are the effects of Surya Bhedana Pranayama?
Surya Bhedana Pranayama is believed to increase energy, generate warmth, improve digestion, and activate the sympathetic nervous system for alertness and focus.
What is the correct breathing pattern while performing Surya Bhedana Pranayama?
The correct breathing pattern for Surya Bhedana Pranayama involves inhaling through the right nostril, holding the breath, and exhaling through the left nostril. The typical ratio is inhaling for a count of 4, holding for 16, and exhaling for 8.
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