Kapalabhati Pranayama

Yoga is a group of ancient spiritual practices possibly originating in India around 3300 BCE for the purpose of cultivating a steady mind. A practitioner of Yoga is called a Yogi or Yogini (female) .Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word 'Yuj' which means to join or unite. In simple words, yoga is a way to unite the body, mind and soul. Yoga exercises basically comprise of a number of asanas to achieve the union of the body, mind and soul. These asanas are nothing but the practice of physical postures or poses that help our body in attaining a healthy level. Moreover, almost every yoga exercise includes stretching. However, there is much more to yoga than this.. Through yoga practices, we can develop strength and flexibility. It also helps our body to create a balance by stretching in various ways. The most fascinating thing about yoga is that it can be performed by any individual. 

There are numerous asanas or poses in yoga. Pranayama is a distinct branch that includes a number of asanas which are related to breathing exercises. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning 'lengthening of the prana or breath'. In fact, Pranayama is a combination of two words, prana meaning breath and ayama meaning exercise. Western countries believe and focus on deep breathing whereas pranayamas believe in controlled breathing practices. To proceed further, one must understand the meaning of prana and yama. Prana translates into 'life force energy' while yama translates into 'control or mastery of'. Hence, in totality pranayama is used to control, cultivate, and modify the prana in the body. 


Ujjayee, shitali, viloma and kapalabhati are some of the basic asanas in Pranayama. Let us learn something more about kapalabhati asana.


Kapalabhati Pranayama


Kapalabhati is a combination of two Sanskrit words, kapala meaning skull and bhati meaning light or luster. This exercise comes under breathing exercises that are done for cleansing. The breathing process is carried out through the abdomen and not through the chest. Kapalabhati exercise is essentially performed for clearing the nasal passage with the force of breath. In the initial days of performing the exercise, try only 3-5 cycles at a time and increase the number of cycles as you feel comfortable. Kapalabhati exercises helps in purification by eliminating carbon dioxide content and other impurities. This exercise is most suitable for people with asthma, smokers and sinusitis. This exercise is not recommended for people with eye problem, hypertension, hypotension, poor lung or weak constitution.


How to perform kapalabhati pranayama


The kapalabhati and bhastrika breathing techniques follow the same principle of clearing the nasal passages. However, bhastrika asana needs careful processing to avoid any tension that may be created in the breath. As compared to bhastrika, kapalabhati is easier and can be performed without any problem. The correct way of administering kapalabhati pranayama is as follows:

• Sit straight and comfortably in lotus pose or keeping the legs crossed. Exhale the breath from the lungs.
• Inhale slowly and relax the abdomen allowing the air to return gently to the lungs.
• Exhale with a quick and strong blast of air. Contract the abdominal muscles so that the diaphragm rises and force the air out of lungs.
• Repeat the blast for four to eight times.
• This completes one entire cycle of kapalabhati. Try to relax by taking few slow and deep breaths in between the cycles.

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