Surya Bhedana Pranayama is a very important part of Pranayama. Moreover, you will find its mention in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as well. The meaning of Surya is ‘Sun’ and the meaning of Bhedana is ‘piercing’. In the yogic field, breathing through the right nostril is termed as Surya Bhedana. The right nadi is also called Pingala nadi. This vitality, that is bestowed upon you by the sun takes care of the creativity and animation. By practicing this Pranayama, you can harness the complete energy of the sun. 

Let us find out more information on Surya Bhedana Pranayama. 

Anatomical Implications

It mainly boosts the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, it also increases the efficiency of the digestive system. 

How To Do Surya Bhedana Pranayama?

This is a special Pranayama, which you can practice with or without bandhas. You should know, how to do it with the bandha first. 

Surya Bhedana Pranayama

  • You have to sit comfortably in one of the cross-legged asanas. 
  • Ensure to keep the head and spine erect and the eyes closed.
  • Close the left nostril with your ring finger and the little finger.
  • Breathe very slowly through the right nostril or nadi, but deeply and quietly.
  • After it is completed, close your right nadi with your right thumb, with the left nadi closed as well.
  • Hold your breath for some time and engage in the Jalandhar Bandha and the Mula bandh.
  • You have to be in the position with the lock or bandha in place, for 5 to 10 seconds. Hold your breath as well. 
  • After the time has elapsed, release both bandhas and open your left nostril and exhale slowly.
  • Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Now, it is time to unearth the Surya Bhedana Pranayama without the bandha or lock. 

Surya Bhedana Pranayama

  • You should sit in a cross-legged asana as before. 
  • Keep the head and spine straight and erect. 
  • The eyes should be closed. 
  • You have to close the left nadi or nostril, with the ring finger and the little finger. 
  • Now, breathe in deeply through the right. 
  • After, you are done with the inhalation, close the right nadi or nostril with the thumb. 
  • Then, you have to exhale through the left nostril. 
  • The right nostril should be closed, while you are doing this. 
  • This is a complete cycle. 
  • You can repeat this 5-10 times. 

Precautions

  • Initially, you can do the Pranayama without Kumbhaka or retention. 
  • Moreover, you can also omit the Jalandhar Bandha. 
  • You should always start with this practice, under experts. 
  • You must not practice it in the summers or in hot weather. 
  • You should not do Chandra Bhedana and Surya Bhedana on the same day. 

Benefits of Surya Bhedana Pranayama

  • If you practice this daily, your physical strength with increase manifold. 
  • Your cardiovascular health will also improve. 
  • Surya Bhedana Pranayama also activates the sympathetic nervous system. 
  • It clears the sinuses. 
  • You will also experience weight loss. 
  • It also balances your Vata. Moreover, it reduces Kapha. 
  • It also aids in the awakening of the Kundalini. 

Contraindication

  • All those of you, who have high blood pressure, should not practice the Pranayama. 
  • If you have undergone brain surgery or heart surgery, then also you have to refrain from practicing this. 
  • If you are suffering from any stomach ailment, you must not practice Surya Bhedana Pranayama. 
  • If you have epilepsy, you must not do this Pranayama.

Variations

You can either do it with the bandha, or without it, to get the best benefits. 

Conclusion

Once you are proficient, you can increase the breath ratio to 4, 16, 8, or 8, 32, 16. You will get myriad benefits, on practicing this Pranayama on a regular basis. 

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