There are endless benefits of kapalbhati. Many breathing exercises are an integral part of the yogic journey. Pranayama and shudhhi kriya is one such dedicated branch of the yoga abhyasa where the emphasis is given on controlling the breath and revitalizing the internal organs. Various toxins are removed in the process and your source of energy renews.
Kapalbhati is also called- the breath of fire. The Sanskrit word ‘Kapal’ means the skull, ‘Bhati’ means to shine or to illuminate. It is intended to remove toxins from your body and mind and give you a radiating forehead, free from any clusters or hesitations. It symbolizes a bright and healthy mind. According to the Gheranda Samhita kapalbhati has magical curative properties.
Kapalbhati involves the breath and many more in it. It cleanses the various toxins from the body including carbon dioxide and removes the restlessness of the mind. Techniques having body cleansing practices are termed as the kriyas in yoga literature. So, Kapalbhati is a body cleansing Shuddhi Kriya.
Benefits of kapalbhati : How to do it?
Kapalbhati must be done on an empty stomach, preferably early in the morning or 3 hours after the food consumption. It can be done by seating in meditative yoga postures like Sukhasana, Padmasana as well as Vajrasana. Try to keep the back straight and body relaxed. If the person has a back problem or feels uncomfortable sitting straight for a long time then, it can be done by resting against the wall or even by lying on the bed. The simplest and most accurate methodology to kapalbhati is given here –
- Sit on the floor with legs crossed and back straight.
- Inhale deeply through both nostrils expanding the chest.
- Expel the breath with force on the lungs. Do not use abdominal strokes. Do not strain.
- Continue active exhalation and passive inhalation.
- Complete 30 rapid breaths, then take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This is one round of kapalbhati.
- Each round shall be followed by deep breathing.
- Do as many rounds as possible, up to around 100 a day.
Is there any side effect of kapalbhati?
Though the benefits of kapalbhati are many, one must be careful while performing it. As it is a complex kriya, It is always advisable to perform it under the guidance of an expert yoga teacher. There can be some side-effects of kapalbhati. Few people experience dizziness or complain about headaches after the first session of kapalbhati shudhhi kriya. It can lead to increased blood pressure. Not advisable to the person suffering from a hernia. There can be a vomiting sensation if not performed on empty stomach.
What are the benefits of kapalbhati shuddhi kriya?
Does kapalbhati really work? YES. While performing this kriya 80% of the toxins from your body are released with the outgoing breath. Thus, the regular practices of kapalbhati kriya detoxify your vital organs, internal system, and the whole body and mind. And this internal detoxification reflects on your face with a radiant glow or ‘shining forehead’ as the name kapalbhati suggests.
Here is a complete list of benefits of kapalbhati. From aiding in weight loss to releasing the stress, beautifying your external appearance to building a strong immune system, strengthening the respiratory tract to energizing and rejuvenating the brain cells, the list is endless.
1. Benefits of kapalbhati: Strengthen lungs and oxygenates the body
Often when we inhale or simply breathe normally, there is not a complete exchange of air in the lungs. This leads to the suspension of stale air at the bottom of the lungs. Kapalbhati is the best cleansing process to fully exchange the air throughout the lungs. Successive, rapid, and forceful exhalation of air totally cleanses the toxins from the lungs and increases the oxygen supply in the body. This gives a mild exercise to the lungs and thus increases the capacity of lungs.
2. Benefits of kapalbhati: A strong respiratory system
It purifies the frontal air sinuses, helps to cure cough disorders, and cleans the mucus. It is helpful in treating cold, rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchial infections. Kapalbhati is highly effective in cleaning the vital organs and the respiratory tract. As the toxins are removed, the capacity of the lungs is increased and there is a greater flow of oxygen. A strong respiratory system is built with regular practice of this shudhhi kriya.
3. Benefits of kapalbhati: Aids in digestion and supports weight loss
Kapalbhati stimulates blood flow to the digestive region. It strengthens the digestive organs and thus boosts metabolic function. Performing this kriya generates internal body heat. So it is very helpful in the calorie and fat burning process. Every person aspiring to lose weight must include kapalbhati in his / her weight loss program.
4. Benefits of kapalbhati: Strengthens the abdominal muscles
One of the foremost benefits of kapalbhati shudhhi kriya is- it emphasizes building core strength. Rapid contractions during this breathing technique help to tone the abdominal muscles. So, it is very useful to reduce the belly fat as well as the waistline. As the core abdomen muscles are strengthened during the process, it is quite helpful in advancing your yoga journey involving complex yoga postures.
5. Benefits of kapalbhati: Radiating glow
The regular practice of kapalbhati improves blood circulation, feels the whole body with oxygen, and provides relief from constipation. All these factors give a radiating glow and hydrate your skin and hair. It is also beneficial in detoxifying the liver which is vital for your immune and digestive system, and for slowing down the aging process.
6. Benefits of kapalbhati: Stress relief and improved concentration
One of the major benefits of kapalbhati includes its profound effect on brain function. It flushes the brain with blood and flows out the stagnant blood in the skull. It is a great stress buster. The strong breathing techniques involved in the kapalbhati increases the brain’s pulsing movement. Hence, it has a stimulating effect on the brain cells increasing concentration and improving memory.
There are incredible benefits of kapalbhati including physical, psychological, and spiritual. It energizes your whole body, strengthens all vital organs, and gives a new life to your soul. Shine-bright from inside with kapalbhati and carry a delightful aura with this rejuvenating & refreshing shudhhi kriya!