Bhastirka pranayama is a yogic breathing practice in which quick and deep inhalation and exhalation are done to strengthen the functioning of lungs. This pranayama increases the supply of oxygenated blood to the whole body. It strengthens all the systems of body and provides more energy which is required to fight the effects of stress.
Bhastrika Pranayama
Let us perform Bhastrika Pranayama by following the steps given below.
1. Sit in Padmasana, Ardhapadmasana or in any other meditative posture. Keep the body erect.
2. Slowly inhale through the nostrils.
3. Then exhale quickly and forcefully through the nostrils.
4. Immediately inhale with force.
5. Continue this forceful rapid exhalation and inhalation counting up to ten breaths.
6. At the end of the tenth breath, the final exhalation is followed by a deep inhalation and slow exhalation. This is one round of Bhastrika Pranayama.
7. Take a few normal breaths after this round before starting another round.
8. Complete three rounds of Bhastrika Pranayama.
Remember the following points
Dos
- Sit straight and open the chest for proper strokes.
- Lungs, diaphragm and stomach should move with each inhalation and exhalation.
- Bhastrika pranayama should be performed after asana and nadishodhana pranayama.
Don’ts
- Do not go beyond the capacity.
- Chest and shoulders should not move.
- Do not practice it in extremely hot conditions.
Benefits
- It increases the gastric fire and improves appetite.
- It destroys phlegm.
- It is beneficial in case of asthma.
Limitation
- Bhastrika pranayama should not be practised during ear infection. A person suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, vertigo, stomach ulcers should not practise this pranayama.
