Technique: In Kapalbhati Pranayama the focus is on recaka only. A should not aim for pūraka, instead allow whatever air normally enter into the lungs. By doing this, there will be natural contraction and expansion of the abdomen. The breath should be expelled once in a second and allowed to inhale naturally. In this way there will be 60 strokes in 1 minute and 300 strokes in 5 minutes, one sitting of Kapalbhati should last for 5 minutes.
The name of this Prāṇāyāma seems to be similar to that of Kapalbhati Kriya (one of the purificatory processes) but the technique of this Pranayama is different than that of Kriya. Kapalbhati Prāṇāyāma is also followed by Bandhas. This Prāṇāyāma brings benefit after observing regular practice and is a yogic medicine. It is considered as a boon to attain Holistic Health.
practice it for at least for 15 minutes. In 3 sittings of 15 minutes Kapalbhati Healthy persons and persons suffering from minor problems should is done 300 times. Practising Kapalabhati for at least 30 minutes both in the morning and evening gives quick relief in diseases such as cancer, aids, diabetes and depression.
Precautions
- This practice must be done only after 3-6 months of any stomach operation.
- Do not practice it during pregnancy, ulcer, internal bleeding and menstruation.
- At 120 breaths/minute there was sympathetic activation which can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama
- Obesity, diabetes, flatulence constipation, ulcerative colitis, kidney and prostrate related disorders get benefited.
- With gradual practice, the heart blockages starts to dissolve.
- Provides relief in mental problems such as depression, mental instability, anxiety and negativity.
- The changes is electro-encephalography were: Beta and Theta activity increases during Kapalbhati whereas Alpha and Beta activity decreases after Kapalbhati. Thus, during Kapalbhati the mental state is active but relaxed.
- The organs which get maximum benefit are stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen and intestine.
- Kapalbhati does not reduce heart rate variability, as was believed earlier, hence it is a safe practice with respect to cardiac health.
- When Kapalbhati was practiced at 60 breaths/minute there was no sympathetic activation hence there should be no increase in blood pressure at this rate.
- The increase in energy expenditure is by 41.2 percent during Kapalbhati, but after the practice energy expenditure does not change. Most of the energy spent is from the carbohydrates that we eat. Thus, it means Kapalbhati practice can help in weight loss if practised correctly.
- No actual change in brain blood flow was seen after Kapalabhati. Hence Kapalabhati does not increase the blood supply to the brain. This should mean that in normal people there is no risk of a stroke when practicing it.
- Kapalabhati practise can increase attentiveness. It means Kapalabhän practice can increase energy output, alertness (useful in all students). short term arousal, and is energizing.
- Obese people with hypertension or diabetes can benefit with Kapalabhati practice but they should get their blood sugar levels and blood pressure checked frequently.
- Kapalbhati is very useful for students, particularly slow learners and who find it difficult to pay attention for at least 45 minutes
