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Close your left nostril with your right ring finger, release your right nostril, and exhale fully through the right nostril.
Inhale deeply through the right nostril, close it with your right thumb, release your left nostril, and exhale through the left nostril.
Continue this pattern for 5-10 cycles, focusing on your breath.
Why it helps: Alternate nostril breathing helps clear the nasal passages, promotes balance between the left and right sides of the brain, and enhances overall respiratory function. The gentle pressure applied to the nostrils can also help open them up, making it easier to breathe.
Additional Tips to Complement Yoga and Breathing Exercises
While yoga and breathing techniques are effective, Nana also recommends a few additional practices to enhance their benefits:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel and reducing congestion.
Use a Humidifier: Moist air can help soothe irritated nasal passages and loosen congestion.
Try Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or a steamy shower can help open up the nasal passages and sinuses.
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Whenever you’re feeling congested, consider following Nana’s lead and trying these yoga poses and breathing techniques. By incorporating Child's Pose, Bridge Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, and Alternate Nostril Breathing into your routine, you may find significant relief from the discomfort of congestion. Remember to complement these practices with proper hydration and other supportive measures, and you’ll be breathing easier in no time.
