How to do KAPALABHATI PRANAYAMA
This is one of the pranayama breathing techniques, which is supposed to have several benefits.
Meaning: Kapalabhati is divided into two words: In Sanskrit, Kapal means forehead; while, Bhati means shining. Yoga gurus say that those who practice kapalabhati everyday will have a shining face and radiate energy. This is a high intensity abdominal breathing exercise.
Doing kapalabhati pranayama: This is how you can do this pranayama –
- Sit in a comfortable position, preferably in a cross-legged posture.
- Inhale and exhale deeply through the nose to get yourself into the mood of the posture.
- Inhale in a comfortable manner and sharply exhale out the air. The exhaling should be forceful and through the nose. Remember to draw in your stomach when you exhale.
- The inhaling should be passive, while the exhaling should be forceful. Remember that while you inhale and exhale, your stomach should pump continuously.
- It is advisable to do about thirty breaths in each round, and at least three rounds in a session. Inhale and exhale deeply, after every round.
- Initially you might feel lightheaded. And if you do, then just resume normal breathing. This pranayama might take some time to get used to.
The Kapalabhati Technique: This kind of pranayama involves natural inhalation and quick exhalation. And each happens one after the other.
Benefits of Kapalabhati: There are quite a few benefits of this pranayama:
- Kapalabhati is a cleansing breathing technique, which cleanses the respiratory system and the lungs.
- It also purifies the blood in the body as well as increases the oxygen level in the body through the cells.
- Kapalabhati is good for digestion.
- This kind of forceful exhalation and contraction of the abdomen strengthens the muscles of the abdomen.
- The effective breathing technique, prepares the mind for meditation.
- It is good for energizing the mind and for energetic mental work.
Precautions: As effective as kapalabhati is, there are some people who should not attempt it. Since this is a forceful and strong breathing technique, it is not recommended for people suffering from the following health conditions.
- People suffering from heart disease should not attempt kapaplabhati.
- Those with high blood pressure / hypertension should not attempt this prananyama technique.
- If you have hernia, then please do not attempt this.
- If you have asthma and are in the throes of asthma, then do not do this breathing technique.
- If you feel pain or are dizzy, then stop immediately and resume normal breathing.
