Regardless of which side we breathe, prana remains in constant motion. The breath manipulation of Nadi Shodhana leads to a gentler, softer self with greater mental focus and calm. While breathing through one side isn’t necessarily better than the other, each side offers its own subtle benefits.

While there are several pranayama practices, they fall into one of two categories. The first is samavritti pranayama–it’s when the inhalation, exhalation, and retention of breath are for the same length. The second is visamavritti pranayama–when the four phases of breath are held for different lengths, normally with an extended exhale. Choosing the appropriate breathing ratio for the task is based on two things: what is possible and what are your goals.

Breath is involuntary, it happens without thought, and yet is the singular most important thing the body does. Everything relies on continued repetition of the inhale and the exhale.