Kapalabhati is a kriya (cleansing procedure). It helps to revitalise the nervous system which becomes exhausted due to stress. It invigorates the person and helps in fighting negative effects of stress.
Kapalabhati
Let us perform Kapalabhati by following the steps given below.
1. Sit straight in any meditative pose like Padmasana or Vajrasana.
2. Take deep breath through the nostrils.
3. Exhale forcefully in such a way that the lower abdomen is contracted to expel out the air. Inhale spontaneously and passively without making any efforts. Do not make effort to inhale. Air will enter the body through the passive inhalation. This is one stroke of Kapalabhati. Begin with 20 strokes at a time. This is one round. One can paractise one to three rounds in a pactical session. Gradually increase the strokes in one round.
Remember the following points
Dos
- Inhalation should be passive and short, while exhalation should be forceful.
- Kapalabhati should be practised after asana but before meditation.
Don’ts
- Do not move the chest or shoulders during exhalation.
- Do not contract or distort the face.
Benefits
- It stimulates the nerves in the abdominal region, tones up the abdominal muscles and improves digestion.
- Kapalabhati expels more carbon-dioxide and other waste gases from the lungs than the normal breathing.
- It improves heart and lungs capacity and therefore good for bronchial asthma.
- It improves blood circulation throughout the body.
- It energises the body and removes lethargy.
Limitation
- Those suffering from cardio-vascular problems, high blood pressure, hernia, vertigo and gastric ulcer complaints, should avoid practising Kapalabhati.
