Is alternate nostril breathing just another fancy new-age yoga fad? Quick Answer: Maybe, but that is because ANB actually works. Alternate nostril breathing, officially known as Nadi Shodana or “channel purifying” breath is an ancient breath practice (aka pranayama in Sanskrit) that dates back to the 15 century and has modern research to back it up. This alternating breathing practice may help reduce stress and for your science geeks, like me, the list goes on.