Vishnu Mudra

Certain pranayama techniques call for breathing through one nostril at a time, with the other nostril lightly held closed. Traditionally, one closes the nostrils using a special hand position called Vishnu Mudra (Symbol of Vishnu), as illustrated below.

	Hold the tips of the right index and middle fingers against the palm. Extend the thumb and other two fingers.
	To close the left nostril, press lightly on it with the tips of the little and ring fingers.
	To close the right nostril, press lightly on it with the tip of the thumb.
	While retaining the breath, press lightly on both nostrils to hold them closed.

Note: If it's uncomfortable to curl the index and middle fingers to the palm, you can instead place the tips of those fingers at the point between the eyebrows. The other fingers and thumb are used as in standard Vishnu Mudra.