Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, is a foundational yogic practice aimed at purifying the subtle energy channels (nadis). The term 'Nadi Shodhana' literally means 'channel purification' in Sanskrit. This practice is detailed in classical yoga texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 2, verses 7-10), which describes the technique of inhaling through the left nostril, retaining the breath, and exhaling through the right nostril, and vice versa, to balance the flow of prana. The mantra associated with this practice is often the silent repetition of 'Om' or the bija mantra 'Yam' (the seed syllable of the heart chakra) during the breath retention (kumbhaka).
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Sadhana Pada, Sutra 49-51), pranayama is the regulation of breath and is a means to steady the mind and prepare for deeper meditation. The practice is traditionally performed in a seated posture (such as Padmasana or Siddhasana) with a calm mind, ideally at dawn or dusk. The recommended count is 10-15 rounds, gradually increasing to 20-30 rounds per session. The primary deity associated is Prana Devata, the divine aspect of life force.
The beej-akshara 'Yam' corresponds to the element of air (vayu) and is chanted mentally to enhance the purifying effect. Benefits include balancing the ida (left) and pingala (right) nadis, activating the central sushumna nadi, calming the nervous system, and preparing the practitioner for kundalini awakening. Caution: those with high blood pressure or heart conditions should avoid prolonged breath retention. The practice is pan-Indian and globally observed in yoga traditions.
Salutations to the purification of the nadis through the seed syllable Yāṃ.
The mantra includes the bija 'yāṃ' (यां), which is the seed syllable for the air element (vayu) and the heart chakra (anahata). It is used to purify the nadis and balance prana.