Kapalbhati Pranayama

16 Feb 2020 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

Kapalbhati is a breathing exercise for cleansing the respiratory system. It also means shining the skull. It is part of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as compiled in the Yoga Sutras by Sage Patanjali. Practicing Kapalbhati keeps you healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Kapalbhati Technique

Sit in Padmasana/Siddhasana or any other comfortable pose. Perform quick exhalation with very short inhalation. With succession of inhalations and exhalations the abdominal muscles are pushed back and forth.

To start with, practice ten expulsions followed by deep inhalation. Then retain as long as you can comfortably do so. Then exhale slowly. Take breaths.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama

1. Enlightens the brain.
2. Beneficial for the lungs and heart.
3. Improves blood circulation
4. Purifies the brain.
5. Destroys kapha accumulated in wind pipe.
6. Strengthens the liver, intestines, pancreas, and digestive system.
7. Brings heat to the body when it is cold.
8. Reduces wrinkles and brings glow to the skin.
9. Mobilizes the fat by regulating the metabolism of body.
10. Helps to clean the sinus and respiratory passages.
11. Fills more oxygen into the lungs.
12. Lends elasticity to the diaphragm and increases the capacity of the lungs.
13. Stimulates and tones the abdominal muscles.
14. Purifies the blood by redirecting it to the lungs for oxygenation.
15. Improves the memory.
16. Helps to reduce headache and giddiness.
17. Improves circulation of blood.

Kapalbhati for Skin Health: Kapalbhati has shown great results for skin. It’s practice cleanses the body from the inside, which results in the excretion of all impurities and dirt. Thus, we can see clear and glowing skin. It works strongly for those who continuously face acne and wrinkles.

Kapalbhati Benefits for Heart: Kapalbhati controls all the factors that are harmful to the heart. It controls the High Blood pressure problem and balances and removes all the toxins present in the body in any form. It works on stress and depression, which are highly responsible for heart attacks.