The sanskrit word 'surya' means sun which refers to pingala nadi, while 'bheda' means to pierce, to pass through or awaken. So, this word - suryabhedana means to pierce or purify pingala nadi as this naadi is interpreted as that having nature of Sun.
- Sit in any comfortable meditation posture, preferably padmasana
- Keep the head and spine upright.
- Relax the whole body and close the eyes.
- When the body is comfortable and still, watch the breath until it spontaneously becomes slow and deep.
- Adopt nasigha or vishnu mudra on right hand, chin mudra on left hand
- Close the left nostril with the tips of the ring and little finger and inhale slowly carefully and deeply through the right nostril without using force, until the lungs are completely full.
- Exhale slowly through the left nostril, till the lungs feel empty, keeping the right nostril closed with the thumb finger.
- This is one round.
One should keep continuous awareness on the breath in the right nostril.
If you are practising surya bedhana pranayama for the first time, 10 rounds are sufficient. Over time, however, as the practice becomes comfortable, the duration may be increased to 15 times.
This pranayama is vitally stimulating breath. The practice of surya bhedhna pranayama creates heat in the body and digestive power. It soothes and invigorates the nerves and cleanses the sinuses. It is a good for persons suffering from low blood pressure. It stimulates and awakens the pranic energy by activating pingala nadi. By increasing extroversion and dynamism, it enables physical activities to be performed more efficiently and helps to alleviate depression. It is especially recommended for those who are dull and lethargic or who find it difficult to communicate with the external world. It makes the mind more alert and perceptive and is an excellent pre-meditation pranayama.
