Kapalbhati Yoga Breathing Exercise for Optimum Health & Healing- Free Online Pranayama Book- Ch 5
Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama for Health & Healing
Yoga Breathing Exercise #5: Kapalbhati Pranayama (Kapal Bhati)
Free Online Video of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama
What Is Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
Of the many wonderful pranayamas that Yoga gives us, Kapalbhati (aka Kapal Bhati) is one of my favorite breathing exercises. It is not at all complicated to do and yet, when done even for a short time consistently, it’s benefits are undeniable. If there was only one pranayama that you elected to do, Kapalbhati might well be the one to pick – it’s that good!
Kapalbhati of course dates back to the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali, but recently its popularity has been revived by the work of Ramdev Swamiji. Kapalbhati is part of Ramdev Swamiji’s set of 6 pranayamas and the practice of this set has spread like wildfire across India as well as the rest of the world. Kapalbhati, in my view, is like the corner stone of this set and many of the absolutely unbelievable benefits that practitioners have been getting from practicing Ramdev Swamiji’s set, I am sure, can be attributed to this powerful breathing exercise.
Below are the details of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama.
Benefits of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
Primary:
- Works on the Heart Center (Anahat Chakra) and associated organs and systems of that region. Thus improving respiration, lung capacity and blood circulation. Kapalbhati helps cure associated diseases of this region (asthma, bronchitis etc).
- Works on the Naval Center (Manipura Chakra) and associated organs and systems of that regions. Thus improving digestion and elimination. Cures diseases and imbalances associated with this region such as indigestion, gas, diabetes, etc.
- Practiced over time, Kapalbhati Pranayama also helps reduce abdominal fat, fight obesity, tone abdominal muscles and bestow core abdominal strength and power.
- From an emotional stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama puges the system of accumulated emotional debris such as anger, hurt, jealousy, hatred etc., thus dissolving the blockages and removing the imbalances such emotional history causes in the energetic pathways. The cleansing of the energetic pathways (nadis) increases the magnitude and flow of prana (life-force) and Kundalini Shakti (energy) throughout all regions of the body.
- From a mental stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama assists in throwing out all negative thoughts from the psyche. thus, helping to cleanse and illuminate the mind.
- From a body stand point Kapalbhati Pranayama should be used to eject any illnesses, diseases, weaknesses from the body thus allowing it grow in health, vitality and vigor.
Secondary:
- Generates heat in the system to help dissolve toxins and waste matter.
- Adds luster and beauty to your face.
Cautions for Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
If you feel dizzy or nauseous you should slow down the force and pace of Kapalbhati pranayama or stop entirely and return to normal breathing.
- If you have acid or heat related gastric issues such as ulcers you should use caution with Kapalbhati Pranayama.
- Kapalbhati is not to be practiced by those suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or epilepsy.
How To Do Beginner’s Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
To practice this breathing exercise sit up in a comfortable position, cross legged is best.
- Elongate your spine upwards, lengthen your neck and subtly bring your chin back and in like a soldier at attention. This will align the spine with the back of your head.
- Close your eyes.
- Have your hands in Gyan Mudra. In Gyan Mudra have your thumb tips and index finger meeting, with the wrists resting gently on the knees and the palms turned slightly upwards.
- Relax your stomach muscles.
- Now expel the air as forcefully as you are comfortable with through the nose. This should cause the abdominal muscles to contract sharply and should draw the abdomen inwards towards the spine (like when you suck in your stomach). Then allow the inhalation to occur completely passively without any additional effort. To repeat, the exhalation is done using conscious sharp force, while the inhalation is just a recoil action bringing the air back into the lungs. All the breathing takes place through the nose. Right after the passive inhalation, exhale again forcefully and continue at a steady rhythm.
- Do a round of 10 repetitions.
- Work your way up to doing 5 rounds, while taking a break between each round.
- Practice Note: Unlike doing Bhastrika Yoga Pranayama you use force during both the inhalation and the exhalation, in Kapalbhati force is only to be used during the exhalation.
How To Do Intermediate Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
Once you feel comfortable with the Beginner’s version of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama, perform the breathing exercise with more force if possible and also increase the number of repetition per round to 50. You may also prefer to do a single round, but, with many more repetitions instead (up to 5 minutes worth)
How To Do Advanced Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
Build up to doing this pranayama for 15 minutes straight or equivalent number of rounds with more repetitions per rounds.
Secret of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):
The secret of the success of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama lies in where your mind is when doing this terrific breathing exercise. If you need to cure your body, then with every exhalation imagine that disease is being purged from your system. If you need to regain emotional balance, then again, with every exhalation visualize the negative emotions or weaknesses being thrown out of your system. If negative thoughts are the issue, let every exhalation expel them from your heart and mind.
The power of the mind has been well documented, you are read about some of it’s incredible capability in this article Mind Power to Manifest Intentions & Desires Instantly, so use your mind to help you accomplish that which you have intended and unleash the full potential of Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama.
Baba Ramdev recomends Kapalbhatti pranayam for High BP and heart and lung issues. Yo say no. Who is right?
Dear Anmol
Thank you so much for your truly wonderful site and videos. You are a real treasure in cyberspace – generous with your wisdom and teaching. I’ve truly benefitted from Sodarshan Chakra Kriya and this technique and both have been a tremendous help with a tough time I’m going through at work. Thanks again.
Hi,
I am 26 years old and had joined a gym for 3 months, and developed a condition known as “Contra malacial Patella”, wherein the cartilage in my knee is in a swollen condition. Its almost been 3 months but I have not recovered yet. Could you help.
Hello,
First of all I want to thank you for this wonderfull site..
I want to share you my experience and hear you’re thoughts and opinions about it if you have any :P
I never had any experience with any other pranayama other then Kapalbhati which I started doing as my first.. within doing this pranayama in a few sec I started feeling really warm in my body.. it started from my navel and spreaded agross my whole body.. I continued breathing and I felt like I am going to explode (also experienced back “orgrasm) I also felt this energy where the kundalini is supoose to be going down and up the feeling was so intense that it kinda scared me and I stopped the whole process.. however I felt this amazing burst of energy flowing within my whole body!! I felt this energy was controlling me and controlling my body that I couldnt stand it anymore in a good way.. I felt like I was going to cry from happiness.. this feeling lasted for a few min there were times I could feel this energy less and then suddenly again this burst energy came to me..
since then I have been trying to get to the same feelings within the last week.. I still get this warm feeling very fast and “orgasm” like feeling inside my back sometimes in my head even I think.. however I always now get this vibration electrical feeling around my back.. and also hands even alot which is kinda annoying..
I was wondering if my first experience was I in a stage that my kundalini was almost awakened? and if so how is it possible in such a short time?
and if you have any opinions on my last experiences I felt during this week and recommends from where to continue..
Thanks alot : )
Shilpa,
We do not have a physical presence in Bangalore at this time. We are in the process of training teachers world wide, you can check our directory for certified teachers here…
https://anmolmehta.com/certified-meditation-teachers-and-meditation-centers/
We do offer free classes on line here…
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Feel free to let us know of any issues or concerns you may have.
Trupti
Hi Anmol,
I am wonder struck to see the enormous content of your website.I only had a glance of the various topics and was very much impressed by the details&crispness.Coming to my query,I find most of the important activities are not for hypertension patients.I am having BP and undermedication which keeps my BP quite under control.Is the precaution given by you for hypertension patients applicable to me too? As it is, I am doing yoga for the past15 years or so and I am quite comfortable with it. As I am now 74 years old, the vigour is a shade slower and I relax a bit more between excersise.I request you to reply me.
Yours sincerely,
S.Ramamurthi
good work done
Great post. I have been practicing this for several months now and personally recommend 15 minutes straight of Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise rather than breaking it down.
Thanks,
Stephen
DO you have branch or classes in bangalore if so please let me know
Hi Rutgert,
The abdomen contracts in when you breathe out.
Best,
Anmol
Hello :)
i wonder, when you breath out, are your abdomen supposed to expand (outwards) or contract (inwards)? Taoist/buddhist breathing?
Thanks for providing very good site with lot of information andgiving wonderful guidance for practising yoga. Could you comment about tantra yoga?
complete. thx
Things like yoga , meditation and all things spiritual have proven to be tremendous in boosting health. Unlike conventional medicines the only side effects are good health and a healthy aura. To many this sounds too abstract but believe me there is no power on earth greater than the mind. It can bring tremendous health and joy
Im 29 years old lady. I have infertility issues, my last hormonal test is pretty ok so for this unpredictablity dr has suggested laproscopy. I watched Ram Dev videos on kapalbhati he clearly says its good for ifertility but quit it after u know that your pregnancy test is positive. My question “Is it safe to do kapalbhati after my ovulation days (which means i have chance of being pregnant)? Im unsure in these days+not recommended to do during menstrual cycle so Im left with just 7 days in month when i can practice it(Im afraid to excercise in rest of days) Can somebody help in in this delimma.
Sandeep,
That is great! Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
Trupti
i have been doing kapal bhati from past 30 days and so far i have lost 10 pounds.It also improved my metabolism by 5 times. I have done this consistently with out missing it every day, i also do Anulom Vilom before i do this.
I think if we do this consistently it will surely help in weight reduction, and also improve digestion,lung capacity.
Devaditya,
You can increase sexual virility and vitality. That, along with being a skillful lover can be more than satisfying to your partner.
Yoga for Sexual Health will get you started :-)
Trupti
hi anmol
i have a problem with my penis size which yoga and aurvedic medicines can i try plz plz plz tell me i see my future in great danger.
hi i have a problem with my penis size which yoga and aurvedic medicines can i try plz plz plz tell me i see my future in great danger