Left Nostril Breathing (Chandra Bhedana)
Sometimes the body asks for cooling, not more energy.
Left Nostril Breathing, traditionally called Chandra Bhedana, uses only the left side of the breath
A steady, calming rhythm with no switching sides. It's simple, gentle, and doesn't require any special setting to practice.
A Steady, Cooling Practice for the Body and Mind.
Left Nostril Breathing is a beginner-friendly technique that channels the breath through the left nostril only, while the right stays gently closed.
Unlike Alternate Nostril Breathing, there's no switching — just one steady, calming rhythm from start to finish.
Throughout many years of working with sound healing, meditation, and breath-based relaxation practices,
I've found that single-sided nostril techniques like this one tend to feel especially settling when the body feels overheated, agitated, or simply in need of a slower pace.
What Is Left Nostril Breathing?
Left Nostril Breathing channels the breath through the left nostril only, using a light hand position:
- The right thumb gently closes the right nostril
- All breathing — inhale and exhale — moves through the left nostril
- There are no breath holds and no switching sides
Traditionally, the left nostril is associated with the body's cooling, calming energy.
Which is part of why this practice is often used when a sense of coolness or settling is needed.
Why People Use Left Nostril Breathing.
People use this practice to support:
- A cooling, calming effect on the body and mind
- Relief from feeling overheated or agitated
- A steady, single-direction rhythm that's easy to follow
- A gentle way to settle before rest or sleep
- A simple technique that needs no counting or switching
Because there's no alternating pattern to track, this can feel like an easier entry point than Alternate Nostril Breathing for some beginners.
How to Practice Left Nostril Breathing
Find a comfortable seated position, with your shoulders relaxed and your spine supported but not rigid.
1. Bring your right hand toward your nose.
2. Use your right thumb to gently close the right nostril.
3. Inhale slowly through the left nostril.
4. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.
5. Continue breathing only through the left side, at a natural, unhurried pace.
There's no set number of rounds — continue for as long as feels comfortable.
What to Expect.
Because this practice uses only one side of the breath, it can feel different from techniques that alternate. You might notice:
- A sense of coolness or calm building over several rounds
- The breath naturally slowing without being forced to
- A settling effect, especially if you began the practice feeling warm or agitated
- An easier time maintaining the single-sided pattern compared to alternating techniques
Common Mistakes:
Switching to the right nostril. This practice stays on the left side throughout — no alternating.
Pressing too hard on the right nostril. A light touch is enough to close it; there's no need to press firmly.
Forcing the breath deeper. A natural, comfortable breath works better than an exaggerated one.
Rushing the pace. There's no benefit to breathing quickly — a slow, steady rhythm is the point of this practice.
When to Use Left Nostril Breathing.
This practice works well:
- When feeling overheated, physically or emotionally
- Before rest or sleep
- During a stressful or agitated moment
- As a calming close to a longer practice
Avoid practicing while driving or during any activity requiring full attention.
If breathing exercises cause dizziness, discomfort, or unusual shortness of breath.
STOP!!! and return to your normal breathing. Sudden or severe breathing difficulty requires medical attention rather than a breathing exercise.
Practicing Along with the Guided Session
This guided session introduces the hand position gradually, with a calm voice that quiets as the practice continues.
There's no need to match a specific rhythm — simply follow your own comfortable pace as the coolness of the breath becomes familiar.
Final Thoughts.
Left Nostril Breathing isn't about achieving a perfect rhythm. It's a gentle way to invite coolness and calm into the body, one steady breath at a time.
Explore the full Breathing Techniques Hub to find your next practice, or continue with our Chakra Healing Sessions for a deeper meditation practice.
Comments