Kapala Bhati

Kapala Bhati is also known as the 'Cleaning Breath' exercise. The meaning of the Sanskrit term 'Kapala' means 'skull' while 'Bhati' refers to 'shinning'. Kapal Bhati cleans all the respiratory passages including the nasal passage of the skull.

THE TECHNIQUE

The Kapala Bhati process (which incorporates exhalations and inhalations in quick succession) resembles the blowing of the blacksmith's bellows.

METHODOLOGY

Firmly sit in a cross-legged posture.

Your head, neck and spine must be in the erect position.

Completely exhale.

Then take a few deep breaths.

Next, relax the abdominal muscles.

After that, inhale but not deeply.

Finally, expel the breath through both the nostrils in a short and forceful manner.

The breath expulsion process must produce an audible hissing sound.

At the same time, contract the lower abdomen with vigorous and rapid thrust of the abdominal muscles.

Quickly release the contraction of the abdominal muscles.

Your lungs will automatically take in air.

Don't leave any gestation periods.

Instantly follow up with forcible expulsions of your breath buy contracting the abdominal muscles.

Let the abdomen relax once air is drawn in.

Concentrate on the portion just below the navel.

Repeat several times in quick succession to make a round.

Complete a round as you exhale.

Take in a deep breath slowly to resume the normal breathing rhythm.

This will provide rest to the lungs.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

The rule is to perform two breath expulsions in a second. Thus, you will be performing 120 expulsions in a minute. Though this may be not possible at the initial stages, endeavor to attain this optimum level with practice.

In each sitting perform three rounds.

Between two rounds, take rest with normal breathing for at least 15 seconds.

ADVANTAGES

Kapala Bhati is the most beneficial breathing means to provide elasticity to the diaphragm.

Kapala Bhati increases the capacity of your lungs.

Kapala Bhati flushes out residual air that is stale in the lungs.

Thus, Kapala Bhati brings in fresh supply of air to your lungs.