Surya Bhedana and Chandra Bhedana Pranayama

SURYA BHEDANA PRANAYAMA

Surya is the sun, and bhid, the root of bhedana, means to pierce or pass through. In surya bhedana pranayama all inhalations are done through the right nostrils and all exhalations through the left. Pranic energy in all inhalations is channelled through the pingala or surya nadi and in all exhalations through the ida or chandra nadi. In surya bhedana the flow of breath is digitally controlled and the lungs absorb more energy from the in-breath.

STAGE 1

This stage sonsists of deep inhalation through the right nostril and deep exhalation through the left.

TECHNIQUE

• Sit in any asana following the techniques given in paras 1 to 7 of ujjayi, stage 5. Exhale deeply.

• Bring the right hand to the nostrils as explained.

• Block the left nostrils completely with the tips of the ring and little fingers, without disturbing the septum. Partially close the right nostril with the right thumb, keeping the inner wall of the outer right nostril parallel to the septum.

• Inhale slowly, carefully and deeply through the partially closed right nostril, without using force, until the lungs are completely full.

• Completely block the right nostrils, without disturbing the septum. Release the pressure on the left nostril and open it partially.

• Exhale slowly, steadily and deeply through the partially open left nostrils, till the lungs feel empty.

• This completes one cycle, repeat for ten to fifteen minutes, inhale with open nostrils, then lie in savasana.

• As the practice improves, make the nasal apertures narrower by carefully manipulating the fingertips to prolong the flow of breath.

STAGE 2

This stage is similar to stage1, will the addition of internal retention with mula bandha, blocking both nostrils.

TECHNIQUE

• Sit in any asana following the techniques given in paras 1 to 7 of ujjayi, stage 5. Exhale deeply.

• Intake through the right nostril, slowly, deeply, and fully, following the techniques of paras 2, 3and 4 of stage 1.

• Then block both nostrils and do internal retention with mula bandha for fifteen to twenty seconds, not allowing any air to escape. Gradually increase the length by five seconds. When this becomes stabilised without disturbing the flow and the smoothness of the in- and out-breaths, lengthen the duration of retention. In this way the sadhaka trains himself to attain his maximum capacity.

• Now exhale slowly, steadily and deeply through the partially opened left nostril, till the lungs feel completely empty.

• This completes one cycle. Repeat for ten to fifteen minutes, inhale with open nostrils, then lie in savasana.

STAGE 3

This stage is similar to stage 1, with the additional of external retention with uddiyana.

TECHNIQUES

• Sit in any asana following the techniques given in paras 1 to 7 of ujjayi, stage 5. Exhale deeply.

• Inhale through the right nostril, slowly, deeply and fully, following the techniques of pranas 2,3 and 4 of stage 1.

• Completely block the right nostril, partially release the left and exhale through it slowly and deeply, following the techniques given in paras 5 and 6 of stage1.

• When the lungs feel completely empty, block both the nostrils and do external retention with uddiyana bandha to your capacity without strain.

• External retention takes longer to master than the internal one. Hence gradually increase the duration of external retention by one or two seconds. When this becomes stabilised, continue increasing the length of retention without disturbing the flow and the smoothness of the in – and out- breaths.

• This completes one cycle. Repeat for ten to fifteen minutes, inhale with open nostrils, then lie in savasana.

STAGE 4

This stage combines stage 2 and 3. It is for highly advanced students, and should be attempted only after perfecting stage 2 and 3.

TECHNIQUES

• Sit in any asana, following the technique of paras 1 to 7 o9f ujjayi, stage 5. Exhale whatever breath is in the lungs.

• Inhale, following the techniques given in paras 2 and 3 of stage 2, ending with , mula bandha.

• Then exhale, following the techniques given in paras 3 and 4 of stage 3 and ending with uddiyana bandha.

• Do retentions at the end of each inhalation as well as each exhalation, starting with shorter retentions and gradually increasing their length as the lung capacity develops. Do not exceed eight to ten seconds on uddiyana bandha.

• This completes on cycle. Practise as many cycles as you comfortably can without strain, or for ten to fifteen minutes. Inhale with open nostrils, then lie in savasana.

Effects of surya bhedana pranayama This increases heat in the body and digestive power. It soothes and invigorates the nerves and cleanses the sinuses. It is good for persons suffering from low blood pressure.

CHANDRA BHEDANA PRANAYAMA

This pranayama has been described in yoga chudamani upanisad without mentioning the name chandra bhedana, but giving only the method. Chandra is the moon. In chandra bhedana pranayama all inhalations are done through the left nostril and all exhalations through the right. Pranic energy in all inhalations is channelled through the ida or chandra nadi. All exhalations pass through the pingala or surya nadi. Chandra nhedana is done in four stages, similar to those of surya bhedana.

TECHNIQUES

Follow the same techniques as are given in all the stages of surya bhedana, reading the word 'right' for 'left' and vice cersa. Complete the practice with savasana.

EFFECTS

The effects are similar to those of surya bhedana, except that this pranayama cools the system.

Notes for surya and chandra bhedana pranayama

• Sometimes the passages of the two nostrils have not the same width. In that case the digital pressure has to be adjusted. In other cases one nostrils is all but completely blocked, while the other is clear. If this happens, inhale through the clear side and exhale as best as you can through the blocked side. In course of time, due to digital manipulation, the blocked nostril becomes clear and inhalation through it becomes possible.

• If the cartilage of the nasal bone is not straight, learn to manipulate the cartilage of the septum up and towards the nasal none. Then the blocked passages opens and digital pranayama is possible.

• Never perform surya bhedana and chandra bhedana pranayama on the same day.

• In both pranayamas interrupted breathing may be incorporated, bringing the number of possible stagess to sixteen. The possible number of permutations and combinations is however enormous:

Stage 5 : Interrupted inhalation, long exhalation Stage 6 : Long inhalation, interrupted exhalation Stage 7 : Interrupted inhalation, interrupted exhalations Stage 8 : Interrupted inhalation, internal retention, long exhaaltion Stage 9 : Long inhalation, internal retention, interrupted exhaaltion Stage10: Interrupted inhalation, internal retention, interrupted exhalation Stage11: Interrupted inhalation, long exhalation, external retention Stage12: Long inhalation, interrupted exhalation, external retention. Stage13: Interrupted inhalation, internal exhalation, external retention Stage14: Interrupted inhalation, internal retention, long exhalation, external retention. Stage15: Long inhalation, internal rention, interrupted exhalation, external retention. Stage16: Interrupted inhalation, internal retention, interrupted exhalation, external retention.

References

The above mentioned information is added from the book called LIGHT ON PRANAYAMA by B.K.S. IYENGAR.