Paranaya, the controlled breathing technique of yoga, is one of the most taught breathworks in yoga classes. The meaning of the term 'pranayama' is to 'improve life with breath control.' Practitioners say that when we do the technique right, it brings harmony to various elements of our body. There are many types of pranayama, like the ujjayi pranayama, nadishudhi pranayama, sheetalipranayama, bhramari pranayama and more. 'Surya bhedana pranayama' is a simple technique that is known to warm your body. According to the Kerala Ayurveda Academy USA, it is a practice in which the prana or air is made to pass through just one side of the body, to get a warming effect on the body. 

How to do it? 
1. Sit comfortably on the floor or chair
2. Your spine should be straight
3. Use the thumb of your right hand to close the right nostril
4. Keep the ring finger of the right hand on the left nostril
5. Inhale deeply through the right nostril
6. Hold the breath for a few counts
7. Release air through the left nostril
8. Repeat for a few comfortable rounds, increasing the rounds as per your comfort level

Benefits of the technique
1. This breathing technique energises your body
2. It can help improve cold-related issues
3. It reduces depression, drowsiness and lethargy
4. It increases lung capacity and improves digestion

Precautions of Surya bhedana pranayama
1. Not advised in hot seasons
2. Avoid if your stomach is full
3. Do not resort to unnecessary long breath retentions
4. If you suffer from any health issues, do not try it without your doctor's approval

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