The kapalabhati breathing exercise occupies an important place in the realm of yoga. This is basic to the practices devoted to regulate the metabolism of our vital organs located in thorax (chest) and abdomen (belly). The breathing exercise becomes all the more important in view of the fact that there is no other system or workout which can give adequate, active stimulation to our vital organs they need to work at their best. The organs, when not in order, are the seat of majority of all lifestyle problems the humanity of the day is struggling with.
For kapalabhati, sit cross-legged, hands on knees with palms up, eyes preferably closed and mind focused between eyebrows for better results.Take a deep breath and let it go. Throw your breath out in succession with a minimum space of a second. The exhalation must be forceful enough to be heard about 10 feet away. The act is automatically accompanied with the gentle belly strokes. This ensures simultaneous oxygenation of our complete physiology (functions of body) and rhythmic stimulation of our vital organs raising the energy level of our body for its processes to perform at their optimum.
As one new at it you should try to aim doing kapalabhati for 5 minutes at a stretch over a week or so. And hence go upto 15 minutes gradually. This may take from a week to a fortnight for most and even longer for few. While your body gets used to this semi rigorous breathing exercise, you may experience few to several episodes of discomfort including mild backache, exhaustion and even occasional painful condition of body, which are all reversible on their own, needing no medication.
Heart patients and pregnant women have to consult a qualified yoga instructor before they take up this second pranayama and others which exert pressure on abdomen- third Bahya pranayama and forth agnisaar, described elsewhere under different posts here.
For kapalabhati, sit cross-legged, hands on knees with palms up, eyes preferably closed and mind focused between eyebrows for better results.Take a deep breath and let it go. Throw your breath out in succession with a minimum space of a second. The exhalation must be forceful enough to be heard about 10 feet away. The act is automatically accompanied with the gentle belly strokes. This ensures simultaneous oxygenation of our complete physiology (functions of body) and rhythmic stimulation of our vital organs raising the energy level of our body for its processes to perform at their optimum.
As one new at it you should try to aim doing kapalabhati for 5 minutes at a stretch over a week or so. And hence go upto 15 minutes gradually. This may take from a week to a fortnight for most and even longer for few. While your body gets used to this semi rigorous breathing exercise, you may experience few to several episodes of discomfort including mild backache, exhaustion and even occasional painful condition of body, which are all reversible on their own, needing no medication.
Heart patients and pregnant women have to consult a qualified yoga instructor before they take up this second pranayama and others which exert pressure on abdomen- third Bahya pranayama and forth agnisaar, described elsewhere under different posts here.
