Relaxation through your nose

Many moons ago in Vietnam I spent time with a hill tribe in Sapa, one of the most beautiful places I have been blessed to visit. I was introduced here to alternate nostril breathing late at night under what I can only describe as a sky full to the brim with stars - one of those memories that forever stays with you.Over the years I have drifted back to this breathing technique at different stages and I have to say it is my favourite, it is deeply relaxing and fulfilling with a sense of calm at the same time. It is really excellent for any feelings of unease or anxiety. 
Have a read below and take some time out to give it a go

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​The Technique : Nadi Shodhan Pranayama Yoga
it upright with your back erect and shoulders relaxed. Keep a gentle smile on your face, relax your cheeks and face muscles.

• Place your left hand on the left knee, palms open toward the sky.
  
• Place the tip of the index finger and middle finger of the right hand in between the eyebrows, put the ring finger and little finger on the left nostril, and the thumb on the right nostril.
  
• Press your thumb down on the right nostril and breathe out gently through the left nostril.
  
• Now breathe in from the left nostril and then press the left nostril gently with the ring finger and little finger. Removing the right thumb from the right nostril, breathe out from the right.
  
• Breathe in from the right nostril and exhale from the left. This is one set of Nadi Shodhan pranayama. Continue inhaling and exhaling from alternate nostrils.
  
• Complete 9 such rounds by alternately breathing through both the nostrils. Keep your eyes closed throughout and continue taking long, deep, smooth breaths without any force or effort.

​The following are specific yoga poses for relaxation and rest – the Childs Pose, the Pigeon, Savasana and my favourite one is the Prayer salute. For more dynamic poses try the Half Sun Salute, Warrior lunge, high lunge and dynamic standing twist. Any of these poses are very easy to follow and would be a great addition to your daily routine.
There are many YouTube videos and websites which demonstrate this technique, so please Google to see a demonstration.