Kapalbhati - the cleansing breath technique

Information on Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati is actually a compound made from two different Sanskrit words. The first word is kapal and it means forehead, while the second word, bhati stands for the verb to shine. Kapalbhati is a cleansing technique known as kriya in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a yogic text which includes numerous different types of practices of kriyas, pranayama and yogasana, so kapalbhati is one of them. Kapalbhati is very efficient in clearing all the nasal passages located in the human skull.

Health Benefits of Kapalbhati

All different types of kriyas are actually techniques used for the cleansing and purifications of various tracts and organs inside the human body. Kapalbhati is used for the cleansing of all different blockages of the lower respiratory tract which includes everything from the nostrils all the way down to the lungs. It can come in very handy for all those who suffer from cough and other symptoms of the common cold. Kapalbhati is a very powerful technique for exhalation as it involves deep abdominal movements. Kapalbhati is basically a technique that is very efficient in significantly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide contained in the human body. By reducing the amounts of carbon dioxide it enhances the activity of the brain cells. It involves flapping movement of the abdomen accompanied by active exhalations. It reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide and increases the levels of oxygen which is very beneficial for the alertness of the central nervous system.

How to Perform it?

In order to perform the kapalbhati technique properly, one must sit down with a straight spine in any type of chair which has a firm support. One needs to start by inhaling and then forcibly exhale by using the abdominal muscles. When the exhalation is complete, it completes a full single stroke of kapalbhati. The person needs to repeat up to fifteen continuous strokes of the kapalbhati technique. The count can be gradually increased over time. It is important to remember not to hold one’s breath at any point. If one exhales too rapidly utilizing passive inhalations it will only lead to an automatic breath suspension. The technique is supposed to take the mind into a thoughtless state in order to improve the mental calm and reduce the stress. It can be very helpful for all those who suffer from gas, indigestion and weak intestines. Kapalbhati technique is also very efficient in reducing acidity, respiratory allergies and abdominal flatulence.