| Kapalabhati - (Frontal Brain Cleansing Breathing) | | | | sensory distraction from the mind. |
| 'Kapal' in Sanskrit language means 'Forehead', and | | | | Kapalabhati should be practiced on an empty stomach, |
| 'Bhati' means 'Light'. Practicing Kapalabhati on regular | | | | three to four hours after a meal. It is best to practice it |
| basis brings a state of light and clarity to the frontal | | | | after asanas and before meditation. |
| region of the brain with the inner radiance. Kapalabhati | | | | Note: If you start experiencing any pain or dizziness, |
| is a highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise. | | | | stop the practice immediately. |
| In Kapalabhati Pranayama, the inhalation is slow and | | | | The Kapalabhati Breathing has tremendous benefits to |
| passive and require only releasing tension in the | | | | a practitioner. However, there are some health |
| abdominal wall. On the other hand, the exhalation is | | | | conditions in which this breathing technique should not |
| active, sharp and vigorous. Normally exhalation takes | | | | be practiced. |
| one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation | | | | Three important reasons not to do Kapalabhati |
| and natural inhalation follows each other. | | | | Pranayama: |
| The breathing exercise activates and invigorates the | | | | 1) If you have High blood pressure, do not practice this |
| liver, spleen and the abdominal muscles. It balances and | | | | pranayama. |
| strengthens the nervous system, tones the digestive | | | | 2) Anyone suffering from heart disease should not |
| organs and improves digestion. It develops strength | | | | attempt Kapalabhati. |
| and stamina and it teaches to coordinate the | | | | 3) In case of Hernia avoid doing this breathing exercise. |
| abdominal muscles. | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| Kapalabhati Pranayama is especially effective in | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) in the lower parts of | | | | breathing technique for you. It is best to perform this |
| the lungs. It cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory | | | | breathing exercise in presence of a qualified yoga |
| system. The blood is purified and body gets an | | | | teacher. |
| increased supply of oxygen to all cells. | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| On a mental level it energizes and prepares the mind | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |
| for meditation, it removes sleepiness and removes | | | | |