Not All Breaths Are Equally Good For Your Health

The breath is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal for self-regulation, energy generation, and overall health

Even though we all do it, few of us use it for wellbeing

One technique, alternate-nostril breathing, can decrease blood pressure and aid in creating a sense of ease and calm

Find a comfortable seat and sit with your back straight, opening up your rib cage
Using the right thumb, softly close the right nostril, and inhale as slowly as you can through the left nostril, then close it with your ring finger. Pause. Open and exhale slowly through the right nostril
With the right nostril open, inhale slowly, then close it with the thumb. Pause. Exhale through the left nostril. Once your exhalation is complete, inhale through the left. Pause before moving to the right
Repeat this pattern five to ten times. Ease back into normal breathing

There are three good reasons for practicing alternate-nostril breathing:

research by the International Research Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Sciences (IRJPAS) shows when used regularly for ten weeks or longer, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces blood pressure
a study of fifty medical students by the journal of clinical and diagnostic research has shown it enhances respiratory functions by increasing respiratory strength and endurance
in a study or ninety participants with hypertension conducted by the medical science monitor, there was improvement in attention and fine-motor coordination and performance

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