Nadi Shodhana, also known as alternate nostril breathing, is a powerful yoga technique that combines two Sanskrit words: nadi, meaning "channel," and shodhana, meaning "purification."

In the context of yoga, the practice is believed to cleanse and balance the body's energy channels, known as nadis. This purification is thought to allow for a smoother flow of prana, or life force energy, throughout the body.

Modern scientific research has also explored the effects of Nadi Shodhana. Studies show that regular practice can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. This can lead to benefits like reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals and improved hand dexterity.