11 Sun Breathing Techniques To Master

Sun breathing techniques, also known as Surya Bhedana or right nostril breathing, have been practiced for centuries in Eastern cultures, particularly in yoga and meditation. These techniques are designed to harness the energy of the sun and promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By incorporating sun breathing techniques into your daily routine, you can experience a range of benefits, including improved respiratory function, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity.

Introduction to Sun Breathing Techniques

Sun breathing techniques involve breathing through the right nostril, which is associated with the sun and the pingala nadi, a energy channel in the body that governs creativity, passion, and logical thinking. By practicing these techniques, you can balance your energy, calm your mind, and prepare your body for physical activity. There are several sun breathing techniques to master, each with its unique benefits and effects on the body and mind.

Technique 1: Basic Sun Breathing

The basic sun breathing technique involves breathing in and out through the right nostril, while closing the left nostril with the finger. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in and out through your right nostril. Start with slow, deep breaths, and gradually increase your breathing rate as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Technique 2: Alternate Nostril Breathing with Sun Emphasis

Alternate nostril breathing is a technique that involves breathing in through one nostril and out through the other. To practice this technique with a sun emphasis, breathe in through your right nostril, close it with your finger, and breathe out through your left nostril. Then, breathe in through your left nostril, close it with your finger, and breathe out through your right nostril. Repeat this cycle several times, emphasizing the breaths through your right nostril.

Technique 3: Kapalabhati Breathing

Kapalabhati breathing, also known as breath of fire, is a technique that involves rapid, shallow breathing through the right nostril. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in and out rapidly through your right nostril. Start with slow breaths and gradually increase your breathing rate as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Technique 4: Bhastrika Breathing

Bhastrika breathing, also known as bellows breath, is a technique that involves rapid, deep breathing through the right nostril. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in and out rapidly and deeply through your right nostril. Start with slow breaths and gradually increase your breathing rate as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Technique 5: Surya Bhedana Pranayama

Surya Bhedana Pranayama is a technique that involves breathing in through the right nostril, holding the breath, and breathing out through the left nostril. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in through your right nostril. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then close your right nostril with your finger and breathe out through your left nostril. Repeat this cycle several times.

Technique 6: Right Nostril Breathing with Retention

Right nostril breathing with retention involves breathing in through the right nostril, holding the breath, and breathing out through the right nostril. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in through your right nostril. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out through your right nostril. Repeat this cycle several times.

Technique 7: Sun Breathing with Visualization

Sun breathing with visualization involves breathing in through the right nostril while visualizing the energy of the sun entering your body. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in through your right nostril. As you breathe in, visualize the warm, golden energy of the sun entering your body and filling you with vitality and creativity.

Technique 8: Sun Breathing with Movement

Sun breathing with movement involves practicing sun breathing techniques while engaging in physical activity, such as yoga or tai chi. To practice this technique, choose a physical activity that you enjoy, and practice sun breathing techniques while you move. For example, you can breathe in through your right nostril as you move your arms up, and breathe out through your left nostril as you move your arms down.

Technique 9: Sun Breathing with Sound

Sun breathing with sound involves practicing sun breathing techniques while making sounds, such as chanting or toning. To practice this technique, choose a sound that resonates with you, such as the sound “om” or “ah,” and practice sun breathing techniques while making the sound. For example, you can breathe in through your right nostril as you chant “om,” and breathe out through your left nostril as you chant “ah.”

Technique 10: Sun Breathing with Meditation

Sun breathing with meditation involves practicing sun breathing techniques while meditating. To practice this technique, sit comfortably with your back straight, close your left nostril with your finger, and breathe in and out through your right nostril. As you breathe, focus your attention on your breath, and let go of any thoughts or distractions. Repeat this cycle several times, and gradually increase your meditation time as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Technique 11: Advanced Sun Breathing

Advanced sun breathing involves practicing sun breathing techniques in combination with other yoga and meditation practices, such as bandha and mudra. To practice this technique, choose a combination of practices that resonate with you, and practice sun breathing techniques while engaging in the practices. For example, you can practice sun breathing while engaging in a bandha practice, such as uddiyana bandha or jalandhara bandha.