Which is a common pranayama technique?

Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril Breathing, is indeed a common pranayama technique that is widely practiced within yoga traditions. This technique involves inhaling through one nostril while closing the other, then switching nostrils for the exhale. The practice is designed to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, promote relaxation, and enhance overall mental clarity and emotional stability.

Using Nadi Shodhana regularly can help calm the mind, making it a popular choice for practitioners who wish to incorporate breath control into their yoga routine, particularly before meditation or as part of a stress-relief practice. It’s accessible to practitioners of all levels and offers a gentle yet effective means of connecting breath and awareness.

Other pranayama techniques mentioned, while also popular, serve different purposes and may involve varying levels of complexity or intensity. Bhramari, for instance, uses sound to create vibration, Ujjayi utilizes a slight constriction of the throat for an audible breath, and Kapala Bhati focuses on forceful exhalation and passive inhalation. Each of these techniques has its unique benefits but may not be as universally practiced as Nadi Shodhana.