History of Surya Bhedi Pranayama

Surya Bhedi pranayama, or right nostril piercing pranayama, consists of two words: Surya (Sun)+ Bhedna (drilling). It is one of the essential Pranayamas mentioned in Swatamaram’s Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

According to yogic scriptures, Surya Bhedi pranayama refers to the left nostril as Ida or Chandra Nadi (the moon channel) and the right nostril as Surya or Pingala (the sun channel). Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines it as:-

“Asana sukhade Yogi, badhawaha chaiwasanam tat; Dakshaya nadya samakrysya bahi stham pawnam shanahe.”

Sitting comfortably, the Yogi should attain stability in his posture and might practice the simplest way to breathe deeply through the right nasal.

         What are the benefits of Surya Pranayama?

As Yoga Science propounds, the location of the Sun is near our navel, and naturally, Suryabhedi pranayam has a heating effect on the abdominal region. 

In this practice, we take a deep breath through the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. It pierces the Pingala Nadi and activates prana shakti (vital force) in this nadi.

During our Yoga Teacher Training courses and Yoga Retreats, we manifest proper alignment of asanas and the practice of this pranayama, which profoundly impacts the pranic body or Pranamaya Kosha.

• Sukasana, Siddhasana, or Padmasana will likely be selected as a comfortable meditative pose.
• Please relax in your selected asana and erect the spine to realise steadiness.
• Surya Bhedi Pranayam is a very effective practice done during sunrise and sunset.
• Please choose a clean and well-ventilated area to practice in.
• It is recommended to practice Suryabhedi Pranayama on an empty stomach. So, it would be practiced for 5-10 minutes.
• Bring all the eye to Prana’s energy. Close the left nostril with your fingers.
• Take a deep breath through the right nostril and retain breath in the diaphragm.
• To practice Jalandhar and Mool bandha simultaneously, as much as possible.
• Practice exhalation through the left nostril in an exceedingly deep manner.
• Keep practicing Surya Bhedhana pranayama for 5 to 10 rounds.

Surya Bhedi Pranayama Benefits

1. It cures most ailments caused by the insufficiency of oxygen within the blood.
2. It is a perfect practice to increase appetite and support the digestive system.
3. Very helpful for increasing Jathragini(digestive fire).
4. It pierces Prana within the navel, by which the Manipur Chakra is activated, the centre of our body.
5. It is one of the best pranayamas for awakening Kundalini power and purifying the Chakras.
6.  Surya Bhedan Pranayama is excellent for improving the body’s immunity.
7. If you experience an extreme cold sensation in your feet and hands, practice this for a long time.
8. Surya Bhedi pranayama helps balance the body’s Doshas, and it is particularly effective in alleviating the Vata dosha.
9. Surya Bhedni Pranayama is an effective remedy for colds, sinus problems, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
10. Suryabhedi Pranayama works fabulously with Acne, Leucoderma, and other skin problems.

               Is Surya Pranayama beneficial for losing body weight?

Surya Bhedi pranayama is very effective in increasing the body temperature. It is very effective in removing phlegm from the lungs. 

It is highly effective in reducing fat levels and promoting weight loss. Expanding the pranic level, which is believed to increase life expectancy, is practiced.

Precautions of SuryaBhedi Pranayama

• If the Pingala Nadi predominates during the daytime, practicing is not advisable, as it can alter vital signs.
• It is recommended that Surya Bhedan Pranayama not be attempted in humid and hot conditions.
• Pingala activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the body to become heated; therefore, it is advisable not to attempt Surya Bhedan pranayama.
• In the case of high blood pressure, it is advisable not to attempt this pranayama.
• If you feel uncomfortable, please refrain from attempting it or practicing under a trained yogi.
• Surya Bhedi Pranayama is not recommended for individuals with heart and brain ailments, such as those undergoing surgery or other medical procedures.
•  Epilepsy should be practiced at a slow pace under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.
• Surya Bhedi Pranayama is highly recommended for practice during the winter.