Cleansing breath – Kapalbhati
Section: Breathing techniques
Kapalbhati
- Sit in a comfortable seated position with the spine neck and head in alignment.
- Have the eyes lightly closed.
- Exhale through both nostrils with a forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles.
- Let the following inhalation take place passively by allowing the abdominal muscles to relax.
- Have the inhalation as a spontaneous recoil, involving no effort.
- Continue in this way for ten breaths then take a few natural breaths.
- This is one round, practice up to five rounds.
- Rapid breathing originating from the abdomen. Begin with up to 10 breaths at a slow pace.
- Once accustomed to this style of breathing and as the abdominal muscles strengthen gradually increase the number of breaths per round from 10 up to 50.
- Keeping inhalation natural.
- Quick and strong exhalation.
- The movement of the abdomen.
- Manipura chakra.
- High blood pressure or heart disease.
- Retinal problems, glaucoma or vertigo.
- Hernia or gastric ulcer.
- Stroke.
- Epilepsy.
- Cleanses the frontal lobes of the brain.
- Stimulates the metabolic rate.
- Generates heat in the body.
- Massages and tones the abdominal organs.
- Balances and strengthens the nervous system.
- Increases concentration, focus and one-pointedness.
- Induces peace and tranquility.
- Never strain.
