Kapalabhati breathing is a pranayama technique in yoga designed to clear the head and remove toxins from the body. It should be done under the supervision of a guru and is not recommended for beginners or those with certain medical conditions.
In yoga, kapalabhati breathing is one of a family of breathing techniques known as pranayama. These breathing techniques are designed to complement the practice of yoga, in hopes of building a strong and healthy body. Pranayama techniques also help people focus, and are often used during meditation and other religious practices. Kapalabhati breathing is generally only recommended for advanced yogis and yogis, and should be done under the supervision of a guru, at least initially.
The word “kapalabhati” literally means “skull polishing,” and as the name implies, this pranayama is designed to clear the head. According to gurus, kapalabhati breath helps to express toxins in the body through a series of forced expulsions, also removing mucus in the skull and lungs. You may also hear it called “breath of fire,” because it’s meant to be energizing. Proponents of kapalabhati breathing say it’s a great way to start a day or a yoga session, and can be used as a quick pick-me-up in the middle of a tiring day.
To perform this pranayama, practitioners sit with their spines straight and usually take several deep breaths to achieve the rhythm of breathing from the diaphragm, rather than the chest. After a deep inhalation, the practitioner exhales hard and fast through the nose in a series of short exhalations, making a snorting noise. Once all the air has been expelled from the diaphragm, a deep passive inhalation occurs, inflating the diaphragm so that the practice can be repeated. Generally, people go through 20-30 cycles of kapalabhati breathing in one go.
This pranayama can make people feel dizzy, in which case they should stop immediately and take a deep breath. Knowledge of other pranayama techniques can help before embarking on kapalabhati breathing, as it will give the practitioner more control over their breathing. Practicing other pranayama techniques will also help people learn what it feels like to breathe from the abdomen, rather than from the chest.
This “cleansing breath” is not recommended for people who have recently had surgery, along with people who are pregnant, and people who have abdominal trauma, such as a hernia. It is also not recommended for people with high blood pressure. As you will ideally be practicing it under the guidance of a guru initially, you can talk to your guru about whether or not kapalabhati breathing is advisable for you; You can also discuss your yoga practice with your doctor.
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