Long working days make you dull and lifeless. To this is added constant heat and pollution. Unfortunately, you have absolutely no time to go to a peaceful place and rejuvenate yourself. Then, what do you do to feel your energies, detoxify and achieve balance in the space you have? There’s a way, and it’s called Kapalbhati Pranayama. Find out all about the process and what it does to you by scrolling down. Read more about How To Do Kapalbhati Pranayama And What Are Its Benefits?
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What Is Kapalbhati Pranayama?
A long time ago, a set of breathing techniques were designed to help people in their overall well-being. Yogic breath is called, and this is an important aspect of yoga. Kapalbhati Pranayama is one of them, and it has been keeping people healthy and pure for centuries.
‘Kapal’ means forehead, ‘Bhati’ means shining, and ‘Pranayama’ means breathing technique. Kapalbhati Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which means the brilliant breathing technique of the forehead. It is named in such a way that the regular practice of the method gives you a brilliant forehead and brilliant intelligence.
The method requires a minimum of effort and involves a multitude of benefits. It is a technique “shat” Kriya that evacuates the toxic air from your body, cleaning it in the process. With cleansing come various mental and physical benefits. Kapalbhati requires you to sit in a yogic posture and breathe. It is more of a breathing exercise than assuming a pose with the help of your limbs. He is one of eight members of yoga compiled in Yoga Sutras by Sage Patanjali. Practice Kapalbhati keeps you healthy, body and mind.
Now that we know the unique nature of Kapalbhati, let’s find out how to practice it.
How To Do Kapalbhati
Sit The Right Way
Inhale Well
Exhale Rapidly
Relax Deeply
1. Sit The Right Way
Sit comfortably in Sukhasana or easy pose. Place your palms on your knees. Make sure they are facing up. Direct your attention and attention to the belly region.
2. Inhale Well
Inhale deeply with your two nostrils, fill your two lungs with air. The breath should be a slow and steady air intake, concentrating on the airflow and breathing in a calm manner.
3. Exhale Rapidly
Pull your stomach toward your back. Get your navel closer to the spine as much as you can. Place your right hand on the navel to feel your abdominal muscles contract. When you relax from the contraction, you exhale air in a short burst followed by an automatic inhalation. During the expiration, there will be a whistle. At that time, think that all the evil in your body is coming out. When you release your abdomen, you can feel the air that fills your lungs.
4. Relax Deeply
Inhale and exhale in this manner for about 20 times. It will be a tour of Kapalbhati. Stay after completing a round by feeling silently at Sukhasana with your eyes closed and observe the sensations that burst in your body.
Types Of Kapalbhati Pranayama
There are three types of Kapalbhati Pranayama. They are:
Vatakrama Kapalbhati:
This is the kind we discussed above, where the expiration is active, and the inhalation is passive.
Vyutkrama Kapalbhati:
This type requires you to sniff in water through your nostrils, let it flow into your mouth and ultimately spit through your lips.
Sheet krama Kapalbhati:
It is the opposite of Vyutkrama Kapalbhati, and you must take water from the mouth and expel it through the nostrils.
Benefits Of Kapalbhati Pranayama
- Kapalbhati generates heat in your body, dissolves toxins and other waste
- Improves kidney and liver function
- It removes stress from the eyes and erases dark circles
- It improves blood circulation and digestion
- The method increases your metabolic rate, thus helping a rapid weight loss
- It stimulates your abdominal organs and is therefore useful for diabetic patients
- It rejuvenates your brain and energizes your nerves
- The process calms you and raises your mind
- This gives you a sense of balance and sensitivity, which makes you feel pure and unhindered
- It eliminates acidity and problems related to gas
- Kapalbhati strengthens your lungs and increases their capacity
- Regular practice of Kapalbhati will activate you and make your face shine with radiation
- It improves the power of memory and concentration
- Practice eliminates and activates the chakras in your body
- It helps to cure asthma, sinuses and hair loss
- It keeps depression at bay and fills you with positivity
Side Effects
- Kapalbhati may cause hypertension and hernia
- This can cause dizziness and headaches
- You may feel a feeling of vomiting
- Your mouth may become dry
- You may have excessive perspiration and salivation
Precautions
- Cardiac patients should slow down with their exhaling
- Practice Kapalbhati in the morning under an empty belly
- Those who suffer from high blood pressure should reduce their rate of Kapalbhati
- Learn Kapalbhati from a certified yoga teacher after completing a health check
- It is best to avoid this technique if you are pregnant or menstruating
- Avoid Kapalbhati if you have a slipped disc or stent
- If you have ulcers, be careful when practicing Kapalbhati
- Kapalbhati is an advanced breathing technique. Do not try it until you have mastered the pranayama basics
- Keep in mind your limits during practice and work through the process accordingly
- Be careful and conscious during breathing exercise if you have breathing problems like asthma
Now that we know how the Kapalbhati works, we find the answers to some of the questions about them.