Why does vishnu mudra in anulom vilom causes right side chest area pain sometimes

Question

I have vata dosh. I have tried lot of mantras/ asanas/ pranayama . But the only one that worked satisfactorily to balance my overactive mind is anulom vilom/ nadi shodhan when done with right hand in vishnu mudra. Sometimes after 10-15 min of pranayama i feel a blockage/ constant mild pain in right side chest. I have checked with doctor earlier and everything seemed fine. Am i doing something wrong or do i need to go for another medical opinion ?

Answer 1

Dear Aditya, Vishnu mudra, which is commonly used in Anulom Vilom pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), is a hand gesture where the thumb is used to close the right nostril and the ring finger is used to close the left nostril. This technique is used to balance the flow of breath in the body and to promote a sense of calm and balance.

In some cases, people may experience pain or discomfort in the right side of the chest while practicing Vishnu mudra. There are several potential reasons for this:

Improper technique: If the technique is not performed correctly, it can lead to strain and tension in the chest and shoulder muscles, causing pain or discomfort.

Respiratory issues: If you have any respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, it may be difficult to breathe through your right nostril, causing discomfort or pain in the chest.

Posture: Incorrect posture can put unnecessary pressure on the chest and cause pain or discomfort.

Emotional blockages: Sometimes emotional blockages can manifest as physical pain, especially in the chest area.

So, it is recommended to consult a Doctor for further medical opinion, as you have mentioned that you have consulted. You should make it important to consult a doctor or a qualified health professional before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.

It's important to practice under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor who can guide you through the proper technique and modifications and to listen to your body and work within your own range of motion.

As regards your search for solution for your over active mind, it is recommended to consult even psychologist as he/she may be able to guide or help in reaching your goal which may be responsible for overreactivity of the mind in absence of its fulfillment. Also, try to find out as to how is your daily work lifestyle, may be that is the cause of overactive mind. So, check if that lifestyle can be further improved to slow down your mind. Please feel free to write back for any further query.