*Kapal = forehead; bhati = shining; pranayama = breathing technique*

Here’s a very powerful breathing exercise that not just helps you lose weight but also brings your entire system into a perfect balance.

Importance of practicing Kapal Bhati Pranayama :
“When you do pranayama, 80% of the toxins in our body are released through the outgoing breath. Regular practice of Kapal Bhati Pranayama detoxifies all the systems in our body. And the obvious sign of a healthy body is a shining forehead,” shares Dr. Sejal Shah, a Yoga teacher.

Kapal Bhati literally translates to ‘the shining forehead,’ and this is precisely what happens with regular practice of this pranayama – a forehead that glows not just from outside, but also an intellect that becomes sharp and refined.

How to do Kapal Bhati Pranayama :
1. Sit comfortably with your spine erect. Place your hands on the knees with palms open to the sky.
2.Take a deep breath in.
3. As you exhale, pull your stomach. Pull your navel in back towards the spine. Do as much as you comfortably can. You may keep your right hand on the stomach to feel the abdominal muscles contract.
4. As you relax the navel and abdomen, the breath flows into your lungs automatically.
5.Take 20 such breaths to complete one round of Kapal Bhati Pranayama.
6. After completing the round, relax with your eyes closed and observe the sensations in your body.
7. Do two more rounds of Kapal Bhati Pranayama.

4 tips to be used while practicing Kapal Bhati Pranayama :

The exhalation in the Skull Shining Breathing technique is active and forceful. So, just throw out your breath.
Don't worry about the inhalation. The moment you relax your abdominal muscles, inhalation will happen naturally.
Keep your awareness on breathing out.
Practice this technique at home on an empty stomach.

*8 Benefits of Kapal Bhati Pranayama :*

Increases the metabolic rate and aids in weight loss
Clears the nadis (subtle energy channels)
Stimulates abdominal organs and thus is extremely useful to those with diabetes
Improves blood circulation and adds radiance to the face
Improves digestive tract functioning, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients
Results in a taut and trimmed down belly
Energizes the nervous system and rejuvenates brain cells
Calms and uplifts the mind

Who should avoid doing Kapal Bhati Pranayama?
Avoid practicing this breathing technique if you have an artificial pacemaker or stent, epilepsy, hernia, backache due to slipping disc, or have recently undergone abdominal surgery.

Women should not practice Skull Shining Breathing technique during and shortly after pregnancy as well as during menstruation as it involves vigorous abdominal squeezes.

People with hypertension and heart problems should practice this breathing technique only under a yoga expert's guidance.

свернуть