Introduction to Health Anxiety and Breathing Practices
Welcome to the Health Anxiety Podcast show, brought to you by TheAnxietyGuy.com. I’m Dennis Simsek, your host, and today we are diving deep into a simple yet powerful Breathing Practice that will help you find relaxation and ease those anxious thoughts around health anxiety. In this episode, we’ll explore the practice of left nostril breathing, a technique that can make a significant difference in your health anxiety healing journey.1
Table of Contents
How to Practice Left Nostril Breathing
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find a Comfortable Spot: Sit or lie down comfortably.
- Close Your Right Nostril: Gently press your thumb against your right nostril.
- Inhale Through Your Left Nostril: Breathe in slowly for a count of four.
- Pause: Hold that breath for just a moment.
- Exhale Through Pursed Lips: Exhale slowly for a count of six.
Commitment to the Practice
To experience the full benefits, you must commit to this practice and integrate it into your daily habits. Doing this for just five minutes per day can significantly improve how you manage health anxiety.
Understanding Left Nostril Breathing
What is Left Nostril Breathing?
Left nostril breathing involves inhaling through your left nostril for a count of four and then exhaling through pursed lips for a count of six. It is a super simple technique that can be done anywhere. This practice is particularly effective in calming the nervous system, which is essential for managing health anxiety.
The Science Behind Left Nostril Breathing
In many Eastern traditions like yoga and Ayurveda, breath control is considered essential for maintaining balance and calm. The left nostril is linked to the calming side of our brain, which is why this particular practice can help settle your health anxiety.2
The Benefits of Left Nostril Breathing
Immediate Effects on Anxiety
When I use this technique, I feel a sense of tranquility washing over me. It’s like giving yourself a mental reset. After just a few minutes, my heart rate slows down, and the anxious thoughts start to fade. This practice reminds us that even the simplest techniques can have profound effects.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Incorporating left nostril breathing into your daily routine can help regulate your nervous system over time. It aids in maintaining a balanced and calm state, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Addressing Defense Mechanisms
In the beginning, you might experience some resistance from your lower self, which is used to shallow breaths and hypervigilance. Acknowledge and accept these defense mechanisms as you gently continue with your breathing practice.
Consistency is Key
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to find that sense of calm, even in the midst of health anxiety. Make this a part of your daily routine, and notice how your body and mind respond over time.
Additional Resources and Support
Health Anxiety Recovery Program
If you found today’s episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For those looking to dive deeper, check out the Health Anxiety Recovery Program at TheAnxietyGuy.com under Health Anxiety. This program offers powerful tools and personal support to help you navigate your health anxiety journey.
Books and Other Materials
I have also authored books available on Amazon for anyone suffering from anxiety. These resources are designed to guide you through the process of overcoming anxiety and reclaiming control over your life.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for joining me on another powerful episode of the Health Anxiety Podcast Show. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to support you. You deserve to feel at peace, and remember that you are more than anxiety. I love you, and I’ll see you soon. Bye-bye.
Citations
- Evaluation of the Effect of Left Nostril Breathing on Cardiorespiratory Parameters and Reaction Time in Young Healthy Individuals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ ↩︎ - Breathing Right… or Left! The Effects of Unilateral Nostril Breathing on Psychological and Cognitive Wellbeing: A Pilot Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↩︎
Comments (2)
Does left nostril breathing work for left handed people?
I don’t believe that being right or left-handed would significantly impact the effectiveness of left nostril breathing. Additionally, there are many calming exercises, such as alternate nostril breathing, that are beneficial regardless of which nostril is used. It’s important not to get too caught up in semantics; if something works for you, keep doing it. Take care and keep practicing what brings you peace!