What type of breathing is Surya Bhedi considered?

• A. Cooling breath
• B. Warming breath
• C. Balancing breath
• D. Quiet breath

Answer: (B)

Surya Bhedi, or Surya Bhedana, is recognized as a warming breath technique within the practice of pranayama. This form of breathing involves inhaling deeply through the right nostril while closing off the left nostril, which is believed to ignite the body's internal heat and energy, associated with the solar or "Surya" energy.

This technique can raise the metabolic rate and generate stimulating effects on the nervous system, making it valuable for energizing the body and enhancing alertness. Its emphasis on inhaling through the right nostril aligns with the activation of the body's sympathetic nervous system, which further contributes to its warming properties. Therefore, its classification as a warming breath is due to these physiological and energetic effects it provides, differentiating it from other breathing techniques that may focus on cooling or balancing energies in the body.