Kapalabhati Yoga Poses

Kapalabhati is an ancient yoga technique. It was done by the sages in ancient India. So many years later, Kapalabhati is still practiced by yoga practitioners to cleanse their systems. A technique of breathing, Kapalabhati involves inhaling normally and exhaling forcefully, letting the stomach collapse. People claim that even 10 minutes of Kapalabhati can make you feel healthier.

Kapalabhati means ‘shining skull’, and it is supposed to impart a glow to the skull and brighten the forehead. It energizes the brain and is said to invigorate the centers that are useful for subtle perception. Doing Kapalabhati isn’t difficult, but what is important is doing it correctly. You have to learn it from a yoga expert before you attempt it.  When you do Kapalabhati, you inhale normally and force the air out with vigor through the nasal pharynx and the sinuses. When air is exhaled in short bursts, it stimulates the frontal part of the brain. Also make sure that while practicing this breathing technique, your nostrils are not blocked.

A vigorous abdominal breathing exercise, Kapalabhati causes the stomach to collapse when the air is breathed out. Practitioners often do this in swift strokes to expel the toxins from the lungs. Many people prefer to do Kapalabahti while sitting down; though you could do this while standing up too. Experts suggest that one should practice Kapalabhati everyday for 10-15 minutes for maximum benefits. You must also do this before you begin your yoga exercises.

You can do Kapalabhati in the following way:

  • First you must sit in a comfortable position, and take a few deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling deeply through the nose.

  • Then inhale air normally and exhale out the stale air sharply through the nose, pulling your belly in when you do so.

  • Repeat this breathing pattern of forceful exhaling and normal inhaling at a quick pace, and keep the belly pumping.

  • If you feel lightheaded while doing this, then resume your normal breathing.


Benefits of Kapalabhati yoga:

  • This form of yoga breathing can flush out the toxins from the lungs and detoxify the body.

  • It improves the intake of oxygen in the blood and purifies it.

  • Kapalabhati tones up the muscles of the abdomen, and even helps to shed belly fat.

  • If practiced before meditation, Kapalbhati can improve your concentration and prevents you from getting distracted.

  • Some also believe that practicing it regularly can help you look good.

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