Benefits of Anulom Vilom Breathing Technique

Anulom Vilom breathing is a pranayama technique in yoga that involves alternate nostril breathing for balancing the body's energy flow.
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Part of traditional yoga practice
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Anulom Vilom Breathing FAQ


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What is Anulom Vilom?

Anulom Vilom is a specific type of pranayama, or controlled breathing, in yoga. It involves holding one nostril closed while inhaling, then holding the other nostril closed while exhaling. The process is then reversed and repeated. It’s a form of alternate nostril breathing.

What is Anulom Vilom breathing?

Practicing Anulom Vilom breathing first thing in the morning may help you start your day in a better place. In the evening, it can also serve as a relaxation method to promote better sleep. There’s also evidence that alternate nostril breathing can benefit your brain as well as your respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

How does Anulom Vilom pranayama work?

In Anulom Vilom, you inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. In the same way, if you breathe in through your left nostril, you should breathe out through your right nostril. Anulom Vilom Pranayama is highly effective in cleansing both the mind and body.

Is Anulom Vilom breathing good for the skin?

Studies from 2011 and 2013 found that alternate nostril breathing had a positive impact on cardiovascular function, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. There are many anecdotal claims that Anulom Vilom breathing is good for the skin.

How much breath retention does Anulom Vilom have?

Traditionally in some yoga texts, Anulom Vilom is instructed incorporating breath retention between inhale and exhale. In that case, the breathing ratio is 1:4:2. So, 4 counts inhalation, 16 counts retention, and 8 counts exhalation.

Anulom Vilom Breathing References

If you want to know more about Anulom Vilom Breathing, consider exploring links below:

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