Surya Bhedi pranayama, or Right Nostril piercing pranayama, constructs two words: Surya (Sun)+ Bhedna (drilling). It is one of the essential Pranayamas mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swatamaram.

Surya Bhedi pranayama, As per Yogic Scriptures, the left nostril is called Ida or Chandra Nadi (moon nostril), and the right nostril represents Surya or Pingla (Sun nostril). 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.

As Yoga Science propounds, the place of the Sun is near our navel, and naturally, Suryabhedi pranayam has a heating impact on the abdomen region. 

In this practice, we take a deep breath with the right passage and exhale with the left nostril. It pierces 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.

How to practice Surya Bhedi Pranayama

• Most likely, Sukasana, Siddhasana, or Padmasana to select 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 during sunrise and sunset.
• Kindly choose a very hygienic and open place to practice it.
• One should always practice Suryabhedi Pranayama with an empty stomach. So, it would practice for 5-10 minutes.
• Bring all the eye to Prana’s energy. Close the left nostril with your fingers.
• Take a deep breath with the right nostril and retain breath in the diaphragm.
• To practice Jalandhar and Mool bandha simultaneously, the most amount possible.
• Practice exhalation through the left nostril in an exceedingly deep manner.
• Keep practicing Surya Bhedhana pranayama for 5 to 10 rounds.

Benefits of Surya Bhedi Pranayama

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 Manipur Chakra activates, 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 there is an extreme cold sensation in the feet and hands, practice it for a long time.
8. SuryaBhedi pranayama works on balancing the Doshas of our body, and at most, it cures Vata dosha.
9. Surya Bhedni Pranayama is the best cure for colds, sinuses, bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory problems.
10. Suryabhedi Pranayama works fabulously with Acne, Leucoderma, and other skin problems.

Precautions of Surya Bhedi Pranayama

• If Pingala Nadi predominates during the daytime, practising is not advisable because it will change the vital signs.
• It is recommended not to attempt Surya Bhedan Pranayama in humid and hot conditions.
• Pingala activates the sympathetic nervous system, so the body is heated; it should not attempt Surya Bhedan pranayama.
• In the case of high blood pressure, should not attempt this pranayama.
• If you feel uncomfortable, please do not attempt it or practice under a trained yogi.
• Surya Bhedi pranayam is not for persons with heart and brain ailments like surgery, surgical procedures, etc.
•  In the case of Epilepsy, it should be practised at a plodding pace and under an experienced yoga teacher.
• Suryabhedi pranayam is highly advisable to practice in the winter.