Hand Crafted

The following pranayama techniques will bring balance.

By Janice Gates

To practice any of the three pranayama techniques below, you'll want to use Deer Mudra when alternately closing your nostrils. To form Deer Mudra, curl the index and middle finger of your right hand toward the base of your right thumb. Gently place your thumb on the outside of your right nostril, and your ring finger on the outside of the left nostril. (Can't see the deer face? Notice that the thumb and the ring finger look like deer antlers.)

It's believed that closing the right nostril to breathe through the left creates a feeling of calm and receptivity, and that closing the left to breathe through the right energizes and invigorates. Alternating between the two balances these energies.

Remember, never strain or force the breath. If you're new to pranayama, ask an experienced yoga teacher for guidance.

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