How To Activate Ida Nadi

1 month ago By Yogi Anoop

Pranayama for Ida Nadi at Night: Integration of Spirituality, Nadi Science, and Modern Science

Introduction to Ida Nadi and Its Importance at Night

Ida Nadi is considered a significant nadi in yoga and nadi science, which helps in balancing the pranic energy. It operates on the left side of the body and the right hemisphere of the brain and is also known as the Chandra Nadi (Moon Nadi). Ida Nadi is associated with muscle relaxation, calming the senses, mental stability, and emotional balance. When the muscles relax, the mind experiences greater stability and tranquility. Its effects deeply influence a person’s mental health and spiritual awareness.

According to modern science, Ida Nadi is linked with the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in relaxation, deep sleep, and restoration processes. It is crucial for maintaining mental and physical equilibrium. It is also true that this nadi is not perceptible through sensory organs, but it can be experienced within the self and in one’s behavior.

In my experience, this nadi increases the production of serotonin, which plays a role in enhancing melatonin levels. Ida Nadi calms the excitation of sensory and motor neurons, and as it moves toward relaxation, the pineal gland begins producing melatonin. Simultaneously, the left nostril activates, and the heart muscles begin to relax and calm down.

Based on yogic principles, when the right brain is active, the left nostril becomes active, and as the left nostril activates, the excitation of sensory and motor neurons begins to subside. At the same time, serotonin levels start to stabilize, and the process of increasing melatonin begins. It is noteworthy that serotonin is associated with the sun, while melatonin is connected with the moon. Serotonin becomes active with the rise of the sun and later supports the increase of melatonin during the night. In darkness, melatonin becomes active, inducing relaxation in all muscles and cells.

For individuals whose sensory organs become overly active at night, it indicates an increase in dopamine levels. Hence, I aim to stabilize serotonin levels through Ida Nadi, bringing mental steadiness, promoting melatonin production, and reducing dopamine levels.

Methods to Activate Ida Nadi

Pranayama Practice (Before Sleeping)

To activate Ida Nadi, practice pranayama that slows down sensory and motor neuron activity, allowing the brain, spine, senses, and body muscles to relax.

1. Chandrabhedan Pranayam:

Inhale through the left nostril (Ida) and exhale through the right nostril (Pingala). This activates Ida Nadi and calms the mind. In my experience, inhaling and exhaling solely through the left nostril can activate Ida Nadi more rapidly.

2. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama:

Alternate nostril breathing balances Ida and Pingala Nadis. This practice has also been found to regulate serotonin levels. However, it is best performed under the guidance of an experienced guru.

3. Right-Side Resting Position:

Lying on your right side and practicing pranayama is highly effective in activating Ida Nadi. Over four decades of experiments with this practice have proven it to be highly beneficial. Learn this pranayama under the supervision of an expert guru.

Yoga Asanas and Meditation Before Sleeping

Practicing the following asanas before bedtime can be beneficial:

1. Shavasana (Corpse Pose):

This pose relaxes all sensory organs (Organ of Action), calms the brain, and puts the body into a deep state of rest. In scientific terms, it relaxes the sensory nerves, which, in turn, calm the motor nerves.

2. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep):

Yoga Nidra relaxes sensory nerves (Gyanendriya) by calming the sensory organs. When the sensory organs rest, the motor nervous system also relaxes. It reduces excitatory sensations traveling from the brain to the body, bringing muscles into a deep state of relaxation.

3. Pawanmuktasana:

Practice this under the guidance of a yoga guru. This asana reduces abdominal tension, which can otherwise overstimulate sensory nerves and disrupt sleep. Improper practice can lead to sleep disturbances.

Changes in Sleep Routine

1. Finish dinner by 7 PM.

2. Take a 20–30-minute walk after dinner.

3. Avoid screen time before sleeping, as it overstimulates the brain.

4. Lie on your right side and practice pranayama with slow, deep breaths. This activates Ida Nadi and relaxes the right hemisphere of the brain.

Ida Nadi Activation and Deep Sleep

Lying on your right side and breathing deeply and slowly activates Ida Nadi. This directly impacts the right hemisphere of the brain, balancing blood and oxygen supply in the brain’s right side while reducing it on the left. This relaxes mental and physical muscles, bringing the body into a restful state. Gradually, the individual enters deep sleep, which is essential for both mental and physical health.

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