Kapalbhati Pranayama

Kapalbhati Pranayama

Step by Step and Shining Face.

Kapal in Sanskrit means FOREHEAD, and Bhati in Sanskrit means SHINING. Practicing Kapalbhati on regular basis leads to shining face with inner radiance. Kapalbhati is highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise.

What we do in Kapalbhati Pranayama

In Kapalabhati we do quick exhalation and natural inhalation. Normally exhalation takes one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.

How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama

Step 1. Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.

Step 2. Inhale deeply through both nostril, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of the diaphragm.

Step 3. After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air.

One can begin with 15 respiration. After completing 15 quick exhalation and natural inhalation , inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round.One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.

Benefits of Kapalabhati

  1. Kapalabhati cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory system.
  2. The blood is purified and body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all cells.
  3. Digestion is improved.
  4. Abdominal muscles are strengthened.
  5. Prepare the mind for meditation.
  6. Energize the mind for mental work.

Precautions:

Kapalbhati should not be practice by those:

  1. Suffering from heart disease
  2. High blood pressure
  3. Hernia
  4. Should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress
  5. If pain or dizziness is experienced ,it is preferable to stop the practice till the sensation has passed. Practiced can be restarted with less force
  6. Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself. i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful

Common Mistakes:

  1. Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.
  2. Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.
  3. Back and shoulders move during exercise.

****Points to Note:****

  1. Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.
  2. Rapid breathing used in this technique should be from the abdomen and not from the chest.
  3. Kapalbhati should be practiced on an empty stomach only.
  4. Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (at least 10 minutes) and before meditation
  5. Chest should not move very much.
  6. It is always good and advisable that this exercise should be learned under supervision of yoga teacher after discussion with him about your health.


5 Reasons to Practice Breath of Fire Yoga

5 Reasons to Practice Breath of Fire Yoga

Kapalabhati Pranayama or “Cleaning Breath” is an intermediate to advanced pranayama that consists of short, powerful exhales and passive inhales. This practice is also known as the “Breath of Fire.” The exercise purifies the lungs and nasal passages. It is a powerful, one of a kind breathing exercise that will help the entire body.

Kapalabhati helps to make the motions of your diaphragm very easy and controlled. This helps it to discard the muscle cramps present in bronchial tubes. A lot of force is used to do this pranayama. While exhaling, the process is very strong and while inhaling, the process is very calming. It is a very energizing technique, and when done correctly it will reboot all your muscles. It is also a cleansing technique that places emphasis on cleaning the air passages and blockages in the chest.

Benefits

Cleanse Yourself of Toxic Air

Kapalabhati clears the body from the constant intake of toxins, thus detoxifying it. This technique helps to replace any toxic air with fresh air. The breathing mainly takes place from the abdomen, as opposed to the chest, and this specifically is what helps to remove the toxic air. Kapala means “the skull” and bhati means “brings lightness.” Breathing in this way lightens your skull by extracting problems like sinusitis. This is an invigorating and energizing practice as it fills your stuffy skull with fresh air.

The practice also improves bowel movements which rids the body of the many diseases.

Excellent for Respiratory Problems

It is also one of the best exercises for asthma patients and people suffering from respiratory problems. This stimulating breath can do wonders for every single tissue in your body. The breathing technique will invigorate your spine.

Increases Blood Circulation

It is also useful for maintaining blood pressure. The abdominal organs also become strengthened from the pressure applied to these organs while breathing and exhaling. It increases the blood circulation due to fresh supply of blood. It is also useful for removing impurities from the blood.

Tones Your Abdomen

The abdominal area is toned with the help of this breathing technique. It helps clear the entire nervous system which proves to be very useful in making the body fit.

Helps with Decision Making

A sense of calmness is also achieved due to the lightness of the skull. Kapalabhati helps one to think better and make decisions quickly while also keeping the mind alert. This is a wonderful breathing technique to help the mind and soul, as it helps to awaken the spiritual power which heals many problems facing many of us today.

Contraindications

It should also be noted that Kapalabhati Pranayama is not recommended for those who suffer from cardiac problems, hernia and spinal disorders. In addition, those who suffer from severe respiratory infections, colds and nasal obstruction should not perform this breathing and cleansing technique. Most physicians usually ask people suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes to refrain from performing this breathing technique. Those with abdominal ulcers should also avoid performing the technique. If you are pregnant, you should not practice this type of breathing exercise.

Since there are some Kapalabhati risks it is best to perform it only after consulting with a qualified yoga instructor who has practiced this breathing technique and is familiar with it.

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