|
In this article, I will discuss the kapal bhathi, a famous pranayama. The exercise is known to awaken the sleeping kundalini lying asleep in three and half coils at the first chakra, muladahra. Performance of the kapal bhathi will help clean and activate that chakra and send energy upwards towards the other chakra centres. The nadis, smaller energy points within the body, will also be cleared and activated, which will make you physically and mentally stronger. The kapal bhathi should be an integral part of a practitioner’s cleansing regime. It is used by yogis to flush out germs that settle inside the nose, throat, lungs and channels of the respiratory system This is a difficult posture to perform if you are a complete beginner, but once mastered, it will dramatically increase the powers of your senses and improve your health. The ancient scriptures even speak of a person gaining access to supernatural powers through performing this exercise. Remember, that all cleansing techniques must be performed correctly if you are to derive any benefits and experience changes to the body. Before performing this exercise: Blow and clean out each nostril. This helps you inhale and exhale more quickly. Ideally, you should conduct both Suthar Neti and Jal Neti, in that order. Do not eat for 2-3 hours prior to performing this exercise, as it will slow down the body. Select a well-ventilated room for performance of the exercise, or do it near an open window. Wear loose fitting clothes that allow you to breathe easily. In its classic form, this posture is performed sitting in padmasana (lotus). However, if you find this position difficult to achieve, sit cross-legged (easy pose). Kapal Bhathi can also be conducted standing up. Choose the style that is best suited to your temperament and physical condition, though padmasana is highly recommended. Performance of Kapal Bhathi: 1. Expels damaging toxins in the blood. 2. Improves blood circulation. 3. Stabilizes the hormones in the pituitary gland; the master gland situated near the sixth chakra, ajna. 4. Improves thyroid function and enhances your ability to control your weight. 5. Strengthens and firms knee cartilage. 6. Eases the pain of arthritis and rheumatism. 7. Tones the leg muscles. 8. Increases flexibility of the spine. 9. Refreshes the blood flow. 10. Cleanses the chakras. 11. Eliminates impurities in the body. 12. Enhances the movements of energy through ajna (the centre of intuition). 13. Strengthens and activates the nadis.. 14. Firms the abdomen and reduces fat accumulation in that region. To perform the classic Kapal Bhathi 1. Sit in either lotus or cross-legged posture. 2. Keep your neck up and spine straight. 3. Place your left hand on your belly and press gently. This will help you appreciate the performing of the exercise. 4. Close your eyes and inhale through the nose, keeping your mouth closed. Concentrate on the breath entering the nostrils. 5. Press your belly button with your hand and exhale. The duration of the breathing cycle should be 1 second each for the inhalation and exhalation. With practice, the time should gradually reduce until you are inhaling and exhaling quickly, almost as if you are sniffing Always make sure your abdomen moves in and out to the rhythm with your breath. 6. The Kapal Bhathi should be performed everyday for at least 5-10 minutes, preferably early in the morning on an empty stomach. Increase the duration of the exercise as desired. Benefits of performing the Kapal Bhathi As you become older, your body loses flexibility. This can be partly attributed to a lifetime of exposure to toxins and pollutants. This accumulation can slow the flow of blood around the body and may result in high or low blood pressure, heart conditions or stroke. Yoga asanas, like Kapal Bhathi, help cleanse he body of pollutants by stretching and relaxation, the correct use of the breath, and life force energy. Kapal Bhathi improves the functioning of the pituitary gland and heart, cleans the kidneys, helps to reduce weight, and stabilizes the metabolism. The rapid inhalation and exhalation required of the posture massages the stomach muscles, activates the manipura charkas, improves the condition of the nose and throat and gives your body a natural boost. This yoga exercise leaves you looking and feeling refreshed and thinking with great clarity. As the exercise has a forceful impact on the lungs, please note the following: Do not practice Kapal Bhathi if you suffer from an existing chest, heart or respiratory condition as you may cause more damage. Stop performing the exercise if you: Experience a sharp pain. Begin wheezing. Feel nauseous or light-headed. I have practiced yoga for over 30 years and, for me, the Kapal Bhathi a precious gem. I perform this exercise every morning and follow it with a sequence of exercises. |