Right-Nostril Breathing (Surya Bhedana) is breathing in through the right nostril and out through the left. In yoga tradition, the right nostril is the energizing side, often practised in the morning. Research on it is still early.
How do you do Right-Nostril Breathing?
- Your right thumb closes the right nostril; your ring finger closes the left.
- Breathe in through your right nostril.
- Switch, and breathe out slowly through your left.
The rhythm
In 4sOut 6s
The default rhythm is the gentlest standard one; the app also offers 4 · 8.
What does the research say?
In yoga tradition, the right nostril is the energizing side, often practised in the morning. Research on it is still early.
Evidence grade C · Early research: Small, uncontrolled or non-randomized studies, or mixed results. Grades describe evidence for feeling calmer, more alert or more focused, never a claim about treating a condition.
Sources
Who should take care with Right-Nostril Breathing?
Before a session the app shows a short caution when it applies:
- Everyone: Blocked nose? Imagine the switch and breathe through both.
Oxigen is a wellness app, not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting, and keep following your care plan.
How Oxigen guides Right-Nostril Breathing
- Rhythms: 4 · 6 or 4 · 8 seconds.
- Session length: 3, 5 or 10 minutes.
- Included with Oxigen Premium.
- An orb, a rhythm ring, haptics and optional sound guide each breath, with “I feel unwell” always on screen.
Similar activating techniques
Updated November 8, 2026. Copy reviewed against Oxigen’s claims policy and technique reference.