| Bhastrika Pranayama - (Bellows Breath) | | | | The Bellows breath activates and invigorates the liver, |
| "Too much stoking burns out the boiler of the engine. | | | | pancreas, spleen and abdominal muscles, thus toning |
| So also too much practice of Bhastrika wears out the | | | | the digestive system and improving digestion. |
| system as the breathing process is forceful" - BKS | | | | During Bhastrika there is an increase in the exchange |
| Iyengar. | | | | of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into and out |
| The meaning of the Sanskrit word 'Bhastrika' is | | | | of the bloodstream. This action stimulates the |
| 'Bellows', thus the Bhastrika Pranayama is called the | | | | metabolic rate, producing heat and flushing toxins and |
| 'bellows breath'. This form of breathing increases the | | | | waste out of the body. |
| flow of air into the body to produce inner heat at the | | | | This breathing strengthens and balances the nervous |
| physical and subtle level. | | | | system, bringing peace and tranquility to the mind in |
| Bhastrika breathing is a dynamic and highly energizing | | | | preparation for meditation. |
| abdominal breathing exercise requiring a large | | | | The Bhastrika pranayama brings many benefits to a |
| expenditure of physical energy. It is accomplished by | | | | practitioner. However, in some health conditions this |
| breathing abdominally at the rate of 1-4 breaths per | | | | particular breathing exercise is not recommended. |
| second, with inhalations and exhalations equally | | | | Three important reasons (out of many) not to do |
| emphasized and equally active. | | | | Bhastrika: |
| Beginners are advised to practice Bhastrika at a slow | | | | 1) Anyone suffering from High blood pressure should |
| breath rate, using 2-second inhalation and 2-seconds | | | | not practice this breathing. |
| exhalation; (15 breaths per minute) with no force on | | | | 2) Person with poor lungs capacity should not attempt |
| inhalation and exhalation. With regular practice of this | | | | Bellows breath. |
| pranayama the abdominal muscles will become | | | | 3) If you are suffering from hernia avoid this |
| stronger, so the speed can be increased to 30 breaths | | | | pranayama. |
| per minute, using 1-second inhalation and 1-second | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| exhalation. | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| Intermediate and advanced students may practice at | | | | posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture |
| medium breath rate (1-2 breaths per second) and at | | | | in presence of a qualified yoga teacher. |
| fast breath rate (3-4 breaths per second). | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| Note: Be aware of hyperventilating, and built your | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |
| capacity slowly. | | | | |