चन्द्रभेदन

Candra Bhedana

Moon piercing

Sources: Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 5.69-70 · Śiva Saṃhitā 3.24-25

Classical description

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā (5.69-70) describes this technique as the lunar counterpart to Sūrya Bhedana:

“Inhale through iḍā (the left nostril), retain with all your strength, and exhale slowly through piṅgalā (the right nostril). This destroys excessive heat in the body and grants refreshing coolness.”

The Śiva Saṃhitā mentions it as one of the techniques for balancing the subtle channels, emphasizing its cooling and calming qualities.

Technique

  1. Sit in a stable meditative posture (Padmāsana, Siddhāsana or Sukhāsana)
  2. Left hand in jñāna or cin mudrā on the knee
  3. Right hand in nāsāgra mudrā (viṣṇu mudrā):
    • Index and middle fingers bent toward the palm
    • Thumb to close the right nostril
    • Ring and little fingers to close the left nostril
  4. Close the right nostril with the thumb
  5. Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril (iḍā)
  6. Close both nostrils, apply jālandhara and mūla bandha
  7. Retain according to capacity, without forcing
  8. Release the bandhas, exhale slowly through the right nostril (piṅgalā)
  9. This completes one cycle. Continue always inhaling through the left

Suggested ratio: 1:4:2 for advanced practitioners; without retention for beginners.

Effects according to the texts

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā specifies:

  • Dāha-nāśana — destroys excessive heat
  • Śītalatva-pradā — grants coolness

Traditional effects:

  • Cools the body and mind
  • Calms the nervous system
  • Reduces pitta (the fire humor according to Āyurveda)
  • Induces states of deep relaxation
  • Balances intense emotions like anger or agitation
  • Promotes restful sleep

Notes

Candra (moon) represents iḍā nāḍī, the left channel associated with coolness, receptivity and feminine energy. Unlike Sūrya Bhedana, this technique is ideal for practicing in the afternoon or evening, in hot climates, or when there is excess internal heat (irritability, inflammation, insomnia). It should be avoided in conditions of excessive cold, lethargy or depressive states where more activation is needed.