Nadi Shodhana, also known as "alternate nostril breathing", is a commonly used breath technique in yoga. The term "Nadi" refers to the subtle energy channels in the body, "Ida" on the left (the feminine) and "Pingala" on the right (the masculine). "Shodhana" means cleansing or purification, so in this practice we are cleansing the energetic channels, balancing the two hemispheres of the brain and balancing our feminine and masculine energies. This breathing technique also helps to promote mental clarity and focus, reduce stress and enhance relaxation.