This time-honored exercise, which uses the sense of touch to help you focus on your breathing, is very helpful in combating stress, anxiety, and other negative emotional states.
Using your left index finger, gently close your right nostril, and exhale through your left nostril. Then inhale through your left nostril.
Release your right nostril and, using your left thumb, gently close your left nostril while exhaling through the right nostril. Then inhale through the right nostril.
Alternate between your right to left nostrils, gently exhaling and inhaling through each one. You can continue this exercise for up to five minutes. Try closing your eyes and focusing on the breath as it leaves and then enters through the open nostril. Feel the air move through your nostril and down into your lungs.
Sun and Moon Breathing Exercises For Chronic Pain Photo Gallery
When you’ve finished your Sun and Moon Breathing, notice how much more relaxed you are than when you began.
These are just a few of the many breathing exercises you can practice on your own. While you’ll find that your mind may be quick to wander, focusing on your breath will help to bring it back. And just making the effort to do so will calm a hyper-aroused nervous system and help ease your pain.
