Kapalbhati is also known as breath of fire. These powerful exhalations require the use of one's diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
By Atul Vyas
Breathing techniques in yoga are called pranayama. According to yogic science, when the breath is accompanied by vital force or energy called Prana and enters the human body, then it is called pranayama.
There are four components of breathing — Inhalation, exhalation, pause after inhalation and pause after exhalation. The pauses between inhalation and exhalation are called retention or kumbhak.
These breath retentions are considered very important in the yogic science of breathing.
Yogic breathing can be both energizing and calming. Yogic breathing engages your diaphragm, a large dome-shaped muscle in your abdomen that draws the lung open to allow us to breathe. On inhalation, the diaphragm drops lower in the abdomen and creates space in the lungs to expand. When you exhale, the diaphragm rises and pushes air out of the lungs.
Kapalbhati is also known as the breath of fire. This breath of fire rapidly cleans nasal passage. This breath has passive inhales and rapid short exhales. These powerful exhalations require the use of one's diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
Technique
1. Sit in vajrasana or any asana of your choice.|
2. Close your eyes and focus on strength and energy.
3. Inhale through your nose deeply.
4. Now exhale through your nose a short, forceful breath with every exhalation, snap your abdominal muscles inward and upward.
5 This should be followed by passive inhalation.
6 Do such 20 rounds then rest and then repeat 20 rounds.
7 Do less if you feel uncomfortable.
Benefits
1. It keeps pitta and kapha dosha at bay.
2. Nasal passage is cleansed.
3. It is a good remedy for cold cough and Catarrh.
4. It helps in preventing or reducing asthmatic attacks.
5. It helps in sinusitis.
Contraindication
People suffering from hernia, appendicitis, intestinal ulcers, enlarged liver, etc should avoid it.
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(Atul Vyas likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist”. He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained several top Hollywood and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many eminent yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga guru of India)
