KAPALABHATI
(Skull Shining Breath)
A practice that can invigorate the body and mind, reducing imbalances.
Steps:
- Find a comfortable seated position, either cross-legged on the floor or on a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind.
- Take a deep inhale through your nose, expanding your abdomen. Exhale forcefully and quickly through your nose by contracting your lower belly towards your spine. This is the active exhalation part of Kapalabhati.
- Continue this rhythmic breathing, focusing on the forceful exhalation while allowing the inhalation to happen naturally. Start with a few rounds (15-20 breaths) and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the technique
- Throughout the practice, keep your awareness on the breath and the sensation of the breath moving in and out of the nostrils.
- After completing the desired number of rounds, release the breathing pattern, take a few deep, relaxing breaths.
Kapalabhati stimulates the digestive system, helping to improve metabolism and reduce lethargy, which are common in Kapha personalities. The forceful exhalations can help clear congestion in the respiratory system, which is beneficial for respiratory issues like allergies or sinusitis. This practice can help invigorate the mind, reducing mental sluggishness, and promoting mental clarity.