Nadi Detox Sequence
The Nadi Detox Sequence I created cleanses and harmonizes the nervous system, eliminates mental imbalance, evens out the emotional state, and dissolves blockages in the energy channels. It also balances the Ida and Pingala Nadi, the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and the male and female energies in the body.
Instructions:
Begin in Tadasana with the feet parallel and separated about a two-fist width. Reach the crown of the head upward so the back is straight. Rotate the shoulders down and back. This position should be comfortable, with no excessive tension. Do not stand as though you have just "swallowed a sword." The goal is a relaxed, even, and straight position that will not block energy movement. Evenly distribute your attention throughout your body.
Important note! Mulabandha (perineal energy lock) is NOT indicated for the entire duration of Nadi Detox Code. The goal is to allow energy to pass freely, without any locks or blockages, from the Earth up through the body into the chakras, and then back down the same path into the Earth.
Once in the opening posture:
1. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Take a deep (but not forced) breath in through your left nostril. Then close the left nostril with your right index finger and exhale through the right nostril. Keep your hand in this position and inhale through the same (right) nostril. Then close the right nostril and exhale through the left. This is one breath cycle. Repeat three more cycles for a total of four cycles.
2. Bring your palms to either side of your sacrum and press them gently in, supporting your lower back. This also controls the depth of the backbend about to be performed. Advanced practitioners can lower their palms, arms straight, to the backs of their thighs. Try to draw your elbows together as close as possible behind your back, opening up the shoulder joints and thoracic region.
Inhale through both nostrils while you bend backward, pulling energy from the feet, up the front of the body (activation of the front energy channel), through the stomach and neck, and into the brow. Stay in the backbend for the exhale and then for three more breath cycles (inhaling/exhaling). On the fourth inhale, stretch your spine upward and then, slowly and smoothly, return to your initial standing position.
Exhale freely.
This sequence causes the cleansing and activation of the Front energy channel.
3. Close your right nostril. Inhaling through the left nostril, bend to the right, pulling energy from the Earth and left foot up the left leg and entire left side of the body to activate Ida Nadi. Exhale through the same (left) nostril as you return to the initial vertical position.
Change sides. Close your left nostril. Inhaling through the right nostril, bend to the left, pulling energy from the right foot up the right leg and entire right side of the body to engage Pingala Nadi. Exhale through the same (right) nostril as you return your torso to the vertical position. Repeat on each side, for a total of four bends: two to the left and two to the right.
This sequence causes the cleansing and activation of Ida and Pingala Nadi as well as other energy channels in the right and left sides of the body.
4. From the initial standing position, inhale through both nostrils while pulling energy from your feet up into your tailbone. Let the energy collect in the tailbone. On the exhale, bend forward, releasing this collected energy and sending it trickling down to the brow. Let your arms hang freely without crossing them. Stay in the forward fold for two more breath cycles. On the third inhale, slowly rise to stand. Exhale freely.
This sequence causes the cleansing and activation of the Back energy channel.
Repeat step 4 two more times. On the last repetition, use the exhale to lower the energy through your entire body back into your feet and down into Earth. When you have finished the entire Nadi Detox Code, it is recommended that you stand for some time with your eyes closed, feeling your feet and the solid ground beneath them.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not force the breath or tense the muscles of the face, eyes, and jaw. Aim for a natural breath, without lengthening, shortening, or holding, allowing your breathing and energy to flow freely.
Perform the Nadi Detox Sequence for 5-7 days, two times a day, in the morning and around lunch. Do not practice Nadi Detox Code in the evening or before bed.