What is moon breathing? The ancient technique that promises to help you fall asleep

Could an ancient Indian breathing technique usher you through the gates of slumberland?Devotees of moon breathing say the practice is a drug-free way to reduce stress and drift off.And it seems we could use the support, as more than a third of adults fail to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night.In its most basic iteration, moon breathing involves closing off the right nostril and inhaling through the left.

Like other breathing exercises designed to ease us into unconsciousness, moon breathing relies on the connection between breath and the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates rest and digestion.Activating the parasympathetic nervous system sends the body into a more relaxed state by reducing blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.This increase in parasympathetic activity also quells the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our fight-or-flight responses, thereby setting the stage — or pillowcase — for restorative rest.Known in Sanskrit as chandra bhedana pranayama or “moon piercing breath,” the term moon breathing is related to the yogic concept of lunar vs.

solar energy.Angie Tiwari, founder of yoga membership platform Unearthed told Well + Good, “We all have a lunar energy within the left side of our body, and a solar energy within the right side.

It follows that connecting to the right side allows you to tap into fiery and uplifting energy while connecting to the left side (e.g., with moon breathing) allows you to slow down and steady yourself.” Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter! Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.The name also reflects (pun intended) the disruptive effect the moon has on our sleep cycle.

Dr.Elisabeth Philipps, a nutrition and CBD expert from Four-Five, said that a full moon has been known to reduce s...