More Cooling Pranayama Techniques

Chandra Bhedana

Overview

Chandra Bhedana, also known as Moon Piercing Breath or Lunar Breathing, focuses on the left nostril to stimulate the body’s “moon” or cooling energy.

Purpose / Effects

This practice is said to be:

• Calming, relaxing
• Cooling
• A helpful preparation for sleep

Instructions

1. Block right nostril. Inhale through left.
2. Close left. Exhale through right.
3. Continue inhaling left & exhaling right.
4. Practice one to three minutes.
5. Mukunda Stiles notes that advanced students can add antara kumbhaka (retention after inhale) for a few seconds with mula bandha and jalandhara bandha. Repeat up to 30 minutes. (Structural Yoga Therapy 2000 p 257)

Take Care

• See General Cautions for more information.