Alternate Nostril Breathing Question

[gnome]

When Ida and Pingala nadis dominate and fluctuate throughout the day, there's only ever one dominant nostril, until one achieves balance...

If the right nostril is partially closed, then air can not be inhaled/exhaled as well as it can through the right. Are we supposed to inhale/exhale a lesser amount of air through this partially closed nostril in the given count/ratio? I feel like I am forcing through my inhale/exhale.

Should this exercise even be done when Ida and Pingala are not balanced?

Ref: https://satanisgod.org/www.angelfire.com/empire/serpentis666/Alternate_Nostril.html

 

[Blitzkreig [JG]]

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I think it is more about just the time spent using that nostril then the actual volume of air. Try to keep the effort consistent, but don't worry if it feels like more/less air going through.

It is the fact that you are only using that nostril that should stimulate the ida or pingala. Then, since you are using each nostril for the same time, it should therefore balance them.

That's just my interpretation, anyway.

 

[gnome]

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That's helpful thank you

 

[Way_Seeker666]

When Ida and Pingala nadis dominate and fluctuate throughout the day, there's only ever one dominant nostril, until one achieves balance...

If the right nostril is partially closed, then air can not be inhaled/exhaled as well as it can through the right. Are we supposed to inhale/exhale a lesser amount of air through this partially closed nostril in the given count/ratio? I feel like I am forcing through my inhale/exhale.

Should this exercise even be done when Ida and Pingala are not balanced?

Ref: https://satanisgod.org/www.angelfire.com/empire/serpentis666/Alternate_Nostril.html

It's more about using each nostril singularly in it's time within the meditation. The breath must be smooth and even, and comfortable. If a nostril is constricted to the point you are forcing the breath or straining, you must open it first.
If it's your left nostril, lie down on your right side. There's a certain position that helps this further which you can find online.
I often do this before my meditation session as I have a issue with one nostril usually being a bit constricted. I also sometimes visualize using a nasal spray that amazingly opens it right up and this can work too. Simultaneously feel and will it.

 

[gnome]

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Thank you, I am going to try a neti pot to achieve this as I do tend to see this problem every time. Will report back results.

 

[gnome]

Update: the neti pot is a great tool. Although for me it doesn't completely balance both nostrils, it makes the non-dominant one a lot easier to breathe through.

Also it's great to know that it's just duration rather than volume of air.