नाडीशोधन

Nāḍī Śodhana

Channel purification

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 2.7-10 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 5.38-45

Classical description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.7-10) describes:

“Seated in Padmāsana, the yogī should inhale through the left nostril and, after retaining according to capacity, exhale through the right.”

“Then, inhaling through the right and retaining, one should exhale through the left. Inhaling through the nostril through which one exhaled, and retaining with effort, one should exhale slowly, never quickly.”

Technique

  1. Sit in a stable meditative posture
  2. Left hand in jñāna mudrā on the knee
  3. Right hand in nāsāgra mudrā (viṣṇu mudrā)
  4. Close the right nostril with the thumb
  5. Inhale through the left nostril (iḍā)
  6. Close both nostrils, retain (optional for beginners)
  7. Release the right nostril, exhale through the right (piṅgalā)
  8. Inhale through the right nostril
  9. Close both, retain
  10. Release the left, exhale through the left
  11. This completes one cycle. Continue alternating

Classical ratio: 1:4:2 (inhale : retain : exhale)

Effects according to the texts

The HYP is emphatic (2.10):

“When the nāḍīs are purified, external signs appear: the body becomes thin and radiant.”

Effects:

  • Nāḍī-śuddhi — purification of the 72,000 channels
  • Balance between iḍā (lunar, cooling) and piṅgalā (solar, heating)
  • Essential preparation for advanced prāṇāyāmas
  • Stabilizes the mind and emotions
  • Prāṇa flows freely when the nāḍīs are clean

Notes

Nāḍī Śodhana (also called Anuloma Viloma) is considered the fundamental prāṇāyāma, the foundation of all others. It should be practiced before more advanced techniques. The texts recommend practicing it four times a day (dawn, noon, sunset, midnight) for months before attempting other kumbhakas.