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Updated: Mar 6, 2022

Kapalabhati is one of the purification/cleansing technique.


Kapalabhati is explained as bhalabhati in the scriptures.


In Sanskrit, Kapala means actually the skull, and Bhala means the forehead (frontal head).

But here, we can consider it also as the brain, the mind, the head.


And, Bhati means in Sanskrit shining.

So, the regular practice of Kapalbhati leads to a shining face with inner radiance. It's a highly energizing abdominal pranayama.

Technique:

  1. Sit in padmasana or any comfortable meditative asana. The head and spine should be straight.

  2. Relaxe yourself with 5 to 7 belly breathing.

  3. Then, make adi mudra or vayu mudra by both hands.

  4. Inhale slightly deeper, now forcibly exhale with the contraction of the belly. Allow the inhalation natural passive. Repeat the same thing: forcefull exhalation with the contraction of the belly.

  5. After completing one round, take 5 to 7 free/natural breaths to relax yourself.

  6. Repeat the practice 3 to 7 rounds according to your capacity.

Duration:

Beginners can start with 20 breaths in one round, and can increase up to 60 breaths in few weeks. Can practice 3 to 5 rounds.

Intermediates: 60 to 120 breaths in one round. Can practice 5 to 7 rounds.

Advance practitioners: according to their capacity, they can practice 120 up to 300 breaths in one round.


Notes:

  1. Force should be on the lower part on the belly.

  2. Should not force yourself.

  3. Practice with the guidance of a teacher.


Benefits:

  • Removes all the Kapha disorders according to sastras

  • Has a cleansing effect on the lungs

  • Is a good practice for respiratory disorders

  • Balances and strengthens the nervous system

  • Tones the digestive organs

  • purifies the nadis

  • Removes sensory distractions

  • Energizes the mind for mental work

  • Removes sleepiness


Contraindications:


Should not be practised (or very slowly - ask your teacher 😊) by those suffering from:

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Hernia/gastric ulcer/acidity

  • Epilepsy

  • Stroke

  • Vertigo

  • Avoid during the pregnancy/menstruation

  • Excessive restlessness or very sort-tempered nature

  • Constipation (Very good but should before practice Rectum/bowel should be cleaned properly)


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Hari 🕉!!!

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