Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a one-sided breathing practice in which inhalation is taken through the left nostril and exhalation is released through the right. It is also called Chandra Bhedi in some yoga traditions. This guide presents a simple version without breath retention.
Navigator
Meaning and Traditional Context
Chandra means moon, while bhedana can be understood as passing through or piercing. Yogic explanations often associate the left channel, Ida, with lunar qualities and the right channel, Pingala, with solar qualities. These associations belong to traditional yoga language and provide context for the direction of the breathing sequence.
The practice is different from alternate-nostril breathing because every round follows the same direction: inhale on the left and exhale on the right.
Prepare for the Practice
- Sit on a chair, cushion or folded blanket.
- Choose a position in which the spine can remain upright without stiffness.
- Relax the forehead, jaw, throat and shoulders.
- Let the natural breath settle before using the hand.
- Practise only when both nostrils allow an easy flow of air.
Hand Position
Use the right thumb to close the right nostril and the ring finger to close the left. The index and middle fingers may fold toward the palm or rest lightly near the centre of the forehead. Follow the hand position taught in your yoga tradition.
Keep the elbow and shoulder relaxed. The fingers should close the nostrils gently rather than pushing the nose to one side.
Chandra Bhedana Steps
- Sit steadily and observe two ordinary breaths.
- Close the right nostril gently with the thumb.
- Inhale through the left nostril at a smooth, comfortable pace.
- Close the left nostril with the ring finger.
- Release the right nostril and exhale through the right side.
- Close the right nostril again.
- Inhale through the left to begin the next round.
- Continue for three to five rounds while the breath remains quiet.
- Finish after an exhalation through the right nostril, lower the hand and return to ordinary breathing.
Breathing Rhythm
Use an easy rhythm that does not require a large inhalation or prolonged exhalation. The two phases may be approximately even, but beginners do not need a fixed count. There is no deliberate pause between inhalation and exhalation in this version.
- Keep the sound of the breath soft.
- Do not pull air forcefully through the nostril.
- Let the exhalation end before it becomes strained.
- Rest with both nostrils open between groups of rounds.
How Chandra Bhedana Differs from Other Practices
In Anulom Vilom, the direction changes after each inhalation and exhalation, creating a left-to-right and right-to-left cycle. Chandra Bhedana repeats only the left-inhale, right-exhale direction. Nadi Shodhana may use alternate sides with additional refinements according to the teaching lineage.
Practice Focus
Chandra Bhedana can be studied as an exercise in one-sided breath coordination, hand placement and sustained attention. Traditional descriptions give it a quiet, lunar character. Understand that language as part of the practice tradition rather than as a promised outcome.
After the final round, lower the hand and observe the natural breath for a short time. Notice the movement of air, the steadiness of posture and any unnecessary effort in the face or shoulders.
Common Mistakes
- Inhaling through the right nostril by mistake.
- Changing to an alternate-nostril sequence halfway through.
- Using strong finger pressure.
- Raising the right shoulder while holding the hand up.
- Trying to make the breath unusually long.
- Adding retention or a formal ratio without direct instruction.
- Continuing when the nostrils do not allow comfortable breathing.
Modifications
- Support the right elbow lightly with the left hand if the shoulder tires.
- Practise one or two rounds, lower the hand and rest before continuing.
- Use a chair instead of a floor seat.
- Mentally trace the direction before coordinating it with the fingers.
Practice Limits
Stop and return to ordinary breathing if you feel dizzy, agitated, breathless or strained. Do not use force to overcome nasal resistance. Learn breath retention, bandha and longer formal sequences from a qualified yoga teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nostril is used for inhalation?
Inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right in every round.
Is breath retention required?
No. This beginner method uses a continuous transition from inhalation to exhalation.
How many rounds should I begin with?
Begin with three comfortable rounds. Add rounds gradually only when the technique remains clear and relaxed.
Is this the same as Anulom Vilom?
No. Anulom Vilom alternates the direction, while Chandra Bhedana repeats the same left-to-right direction.
Thank u for the information.keep doing well for human being.
thank you for appreciating @Jitneder sherkane.
When I inhale during chanderbhedi pranayam by left nostril, what should be the movement of stomach…. Whenever I inhale, my stomach movement towards inside…Is it right it wrong??
When I inhale during chanderbhedi pranayam by left nostril, what should be the movement of stomach…. Whenever I inhale, my stomach movement towards inside…Is it right it wrong??