Yoga is all about the unity of a set of principles that transforms your life by combining methods that rejuvenate your soul. At its base, kapalbhati Pranayama is a method of body cleansing that comes under Shatkarma. It is a pranayama, one among an entire set of elaborate breathing exercises. In this particular breathing technique, the main areas affected include the ones under your skull, including all parts of our brain and even the empty spaces filled with fluid inside it. Kapal-bhati made up of two segments, kapal meaning skull and Bhati meaning illuminating. Remember that in kapalbhati your awareness needs to be focused on breathing out. It promises a forehead that shines, not just from the outside, but graces you with a sharp wit and memory that lets you keep in pace with the world around you.
Forms of Kapalabhati
There are three distinct types.
Vatakrama kapalbhati: In this technique, we follow the pattern that is the exact opposite of normal breathing. The exhalation is active, and the inhalation is passive.
Vyutkrama kapalbhati: This is a more advanced form that involves the flow of water rather than air. Water is taken into the nostril and then allowed to flow down. You then spit the water out through your mouth.
Sheetkrama kapalbhati: Being the exact opposite of Vyutkrama kapalabhati, in this pranayama you take in water through your mouth and then expel it through your nose.
Steps to Perform
Kapalbhati is unique in the way that the exhalation is the current action and not the passive. We usually begin at a slow pace and then eventually grow into a better speed.
As with everything in yoga your posture while practicing this unique pranayama is of utmost importance. Be in and upright position with your palms on your lower belly, place your feet touching the ground if you are sitting on a chair.
Always start with a deep cleansing breath, then inhale once again and expel the air forcefully making sure that your diaphragm controls the movement. The motion has to draw your navel towards your spine. Effortlessly fill up your lungs and concentrate on how your stomach moves.
After repeating the same the movement for about ten times and observing all the feelings in your body.
Best Times to Practice Kapalbhati
Have the best wake-up call of your life by practicing it every morning. It rejuvenates and cleanses your body and mind. Let it set the pace for a wonderful way.
Feeling cold? Find yourself outdoors on an unusually cold day? Do a few cycles of kapalbhati and warm yourself up.
Give yourself a kick start through, if you find yourself downtrodden by the mid-day slump.
Pros of Kapalabhati
The benefits listed below are first-hand from people who have experienced the changes that has brought into their life.
- Release toxins in your body.
- Improves the capacity of your respiratory system
- Enhances blood purification and energizes your nervous system
- Clears your mind and brings you focus.
- Eradicate digestive problems and builds up your metabolic rate, thus helping you lose weight.
- Eradicate digestive problems and builds up your metabolic rate.
- It provides you with warmth and brings a glow to your face.
- In some cases, it is said to have relieved and sometimes cure asthma.
It is ill advised to practice kapalbhati if you are pregnant, suffering from high blood pressure, a weak heart or abdominal pain. Stop immediately the moment you begin to feel dizzy or anxious. Become a regular practitioner of kapalbhati and ensure longevity and good health. It lets you be at the peak of your performance for the entire day. Decide to breathe life into your daily routine and learn in detail about kapalbhati and all other yoga techniques with our 200 hour yoga teacher training in Goa, India.