— Introduction :
In the embrace of the moonlight, there is a softness that calms even the most turbulent of minds. Chandra Bhedan Pranayam is the yogic channeling of that cooling, nurturing energy — a breath that guides us inward, softens agitation, and reconnects us with the healing lunar force.
Chandra means “moon,” and Bhedan means “to pierce” or “to stimulate.” This pranayam activates the Ida Nadi, the left energy channel that corresponds to mental peace, introversion, cooling energy, and emotional stability. By inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right, Chandra Bhedan brings balance to a life overwhelmed by heat, hurry, and hyperactivity.
This practice is deeply beneficial for those suffering from stress, anger, insomnia, or high blood pressure. Unlike Surya Bhedan, which energizes and awakens, Chandra Bhedan soothes and slows — ideal for modern minds constantly stimulated by screens, schedules, and sensory overload.
The moon within us is the symbol of stillness and receptivity. In honoring that energy through this breath, we return to a natural rhythm — calm, reflective, and deeply harmonious.
— Step-by-step Instructions :
- Sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana, or Sukhasana with spine upright
- Use Vishnu Mudra with the right hand (fold index and middle fingers)
- Gently close the right nostril with your thumb
- Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril (Chandra Nadi)
- Close the left nostril with your ring finger, release the right, and exhale through the right nostril
- This completes one round
- Repeat for 10–15 rounds, maintaining gentle awareness
- Optional: Add breath retention (Kumbhaka) after inhalation as per comfort
— Physical And Mental Benefits :
- Calms the nervous system and induces a parasympathetic response
- Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and restlessness
- Useful in managing high blood pressure
- Supports sound sleep and soothes insomnia
- Cools the body, making it ideal for Pitta-dominant individuals
- Brings mental clarity and emotional balance
- Activates Ida Nadi, enhancing intuitive and creative faculties
- Reduces hyperactivity, aggression, and emotional overdrive
— Precautions to Keep in Mind :
- Avoid in cases of low blood pressure or chronic depression
- Not suitable during asthmatic attacks or respiratory congestion
- Should be avoided by individuals with excess Kapha (sluggishness or coldness)
- Do not overdo in cold weather or humid climates
- Avoid immediately after meals
- Not suitable during menstruation or pregnancy if sensitivity is experienced
— Beginner’s Tips :
- Start with 5–7 rounds and gradually increase
- Focus on the cool sensation of breath through the left nostril
- Best practiced in a quiet, shaded environment
- End your session with a few minutes of mindful stillness
- Maintain an unhurried rhythm; the quality of breath is more important than quantity
— Best Time to Practice :
- Evening or night, especially before sleep
- Ideal during hot weather, or after emotionally charged experiences
- Can be practiced after asana practice or stressful work
- Not advised early in the morning in cold climates
— Advanced Variations :
- Add Kumbhaka (internal retention) after inhaling through the left nostril
- Apply Jalandhara Bandha during retention for deeper effect
- Visualize cool, silvery light entering through the left nostril and enveloping the mind
— Wrapping Up :
Chandra Bhedan is like a moonlit meditation — cool, quiet, and introspective. In a world that constantly pulls us outward, this breath draws us inward — into peace, into balance, into the deep pool of inner stillness. With each round, the heart softens, the mind settles, and the soul gently remembers its calm, luminous nature. This is not just a breath, but a sacred pause — where the yogi meets the moon within.
