Kapalabhati pranayama technique creates fire and power and is wonderfully detoxifying for you. This breathing practice builds heat in the body and raises your energy levels leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. If you have ever been to a Kundalini yoga class, you have most likely done Kapalabhati breathing.
How to practice Kapabalbhati breathing: Sit up tall, exhale completely and relax. Then take a small inhalation and begin Kapalabhati with a quick forceful exhale out of your nose. The quick strong exhale will draw your belly in and blow air out of your nose somewhat forcefully, and it will make some sound. From your strong exhalation, your inhalation will come naturally, like a rebound effect. Once it comes in, exhale again forcefully. Continue to repeat this pattern over and over, up to 60 times in a row (try at least 25-30 times to get the full effect). Apply forceful exhalations out of your nose and passive inhalations, and you will start to engage your core and build strong inner fire and heat.
* This is powerful pranayama, so it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are pregnant, or have high blood pressure.
Now that you know how to practice this pranayama technique, here are some remarkable reasons why you'd benefit from practicing this!
10 Benefits of Kapalabhati:
Boosts lung function
Removes toxins and other waste materials from the body
Can improve concentration by removing stagnant, heavy, distracting energy from the body and mind
Helps reduce belly fat, by working the abdominal muscles
Kapalbhati boosts liver health and helps maintain the change in albumin and globulin (natural proteins) levels due to liver-related ailments
Helps support metabolism and digestion and promotes weight loss as a result
Can help sleep quality and relieve symptoms of insomnia
Improves kidney function
Mood-boosting and can help relieve depression and anxiety
These are just some of the many benefits of Kapalabhati. Of course, all of us are unique, so some benefits might be more prevalent for you, than for others. Explore for yourself, by practicing this breathing technique and noticing which benefits are most pronounced for you. Below is a 5-minute guided Kapalabhati class, you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Pranayama: Kapalabhati with Pradeep Teotia