Long long ago, a set of breathing techniques were devised to help people with their overall well-being. It is called the yogic breath, and it is an important aspect of yoga. Kapalbhati Pranayama is one among them, and it has been keeping people healthy and pure since ages.
‘Kapal’ means forehead, ‘Bhati’ means shining, and ‘Pranayama’ means breathing technique. Kapalbhati Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means forehead shining breathing technique. It is named so as the regular practice of the method gives you a shining forehead and bright intellect.
Though the method appears to need minimal effort, in reality, it is a very technical kriya and comes with a plethora of benefits. It is a ‘shat’ kriya technique that flushes out toxic air from your body, cleansing 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. It is part of the Eight Limbs Of Yoga as compiled in Yoga Sutras by Sage Patanjali. Practicing Kapalbhati keeps you healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
How To Do Kapalbhati
1. Sit The Right Way
Sit comfortably in Sukhasana or the Easy Pose. Place your palms on your knees. Ensure they are facing upwards. Direct your focus and awareness to the belly region. It is beneficial if one sits on a folded blanket on a pair of yoga blocks so that the spine remains elevated and alert.
2. Inhale Well
Inhale deeply with both your nostrils, filling both your lungs with air. The breath should be a slow and steady intake of air, concentrating on the airflow and breathing in a calm manner.
3. Exhale Rapidly
Pull your stomach in towards 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 contracting. As you relax from the contraction, you exhale air in a short burst followed by an automatic inhalation. During exhalation, there will be a hissing sound. At that point, feel that all the bad in your body is coming out. As you release your abdomen, you can feel the air filling your lungs.
4. Relax Deeply
Inhale and exhale in this manner for about 20 times. That will be one round of Kapalbhati. Rest after you complete one round by sitting silently in Sukhasana with your eyes closed and observe the sensations erupting in your body.
Benefits Of Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati generates heat in your body, dissolving toxins and other waste matter.
It improves the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
It removes stress from the eyes and erases dark circles.
It enhances blood circulation and digestion.
The method increases your metabolic rate, thus aiding rapid weight loss.
It stimulates your abdominal organs and is thus helpful for diabetic patients.
It rejuvenates your brain and energizes your nerves.
The process calms you and uplifts your mind.
It gives you a sense of balance and sensibility, making you feel pure and clutter-free.
It eliminates acidity and gas-related problems if done correctly. It is not recommended for people with gastric issues.
Kapalbhati strengthens your lungs and increases their capacity.
Regular practice of Kapalbhati will activate you and make your face glow radiantly.
It improves memory and concentration power.
The practice clears and activates the chakras in your body.
It helps in curing asthma and sinus.
It keeps depression at bay and fills you with positivity.
