Have you ever thought that with just a fast and forceful process of inhaling and exhaling breath, you get a plethora of benefits? Sounds delusive? But it’s actually not. Bhastrika Pranayama involves the process of powerful inhalation and exhalation of breath and gives benefits to various parts of the body. What is it? How to perform it? These are some of the usual doubts you are getting in your mind but here in this blog/article, we are resolving every doubt of yours.
What is Bhastrika Pranayama?
The word “Bhastrika” in Sanskrit means “bellows,” which describes the movements of the lungs during this practice. During Bhastrika Pranayama, the lungs are rapidly filled and emptied. Like bellows stoking the flames of a fire, bhastrika pranayama fans the flames of your inner vitality. It clears away the cobwebs of fatigue and lethargy, filling you with a bright and sparkling energy that courses through your veins.
As you practice bhastrika pranayama, you become a conduit for the vital force of life itself. You breathe in the power of the universe and exhale your own strength and purpose. With each breath, you become more alive, more vibrant, and more fully yourself. Bhastrika pranayama is like a thunderstorm in your lungs, a forceful and invigorating breath that floods your body with energy. With each inhale, you draw in the rich, nourishing oxygen of the world around you, and with each exhale, you release the stale air that no longer serves you.
How to do Bhastrika Pranayama?
Close your eyes, relax your mind, take a deep breath, and let the sound of the world fade away. In the quiet of your own breath, there is power. And in the ancient practice of bhastrika pranayama, that power is harnessed and unleashed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Practice Bhastrika Pranayama
- Find a comfortable seated position: Sit cross-legged on the floor, or on a chair with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Your spine should be straight and your shoulders be relaxed.
- Take a few deep breaths: Inhale deeply through your nose, fills your lungs with air, and exhale properly through your mouth, releasing any tension or stress in your body.
- Begin Bhastrika Pranayama: Take a deep breath in through your nose and then forcefully exhale through your nose, expelling all the air from your lungs. Follow this by inhaling deeply through your nose, and again forcefully exhaling through your nose. Repeat this cycle rapidly, aiming for about 2-3 cycles per second.
- Focus on your breath: As you practice Bhastrika Pranayama, focus your attention on your breath. Feel the movement of air in and out of your nostrils. Notice expanding and contracting of your lungs.
- Gradually increase the duration: Begin with 20-30 cycles of Bhastrika Pranayama, and gradually increase the duration over time. However, do not push yourself too hard, especially if you are new to the practice.
Finish with a few deep breaths: Once you feel comfortable, complete your practice by taking a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling through your mouth.
Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama
- Boosts Energy Levels: The rapid and forceful breaths of Bhastrika Pranayama help to increase oxygen levels in the body, which can boost energy levels and alleviate fatigue.
- Improves Lung Capacity: Bhastrika Pranayama strengthens the lungs and improves lung capacity by forcing the practitioner to take deep breaths.
- Improves Digestion: Bhastrika Pranayama increases blood flow to the digestive system, which can improve digestion and help alleviate digestive issues such as constipation.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The deep breathing involved in Bhastrika Pranayama can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Boosts Immune System: Regular practice of Bhastrika Pranayama can boost the immune system by increasing the oxygen levels in the body and reducing stress levels.
- Improves Concentration: The increased oxygen levels and reduced stress levels from Bhastrika Pranayama can improve concentration and focus.
- Improves Respiratory Health: Bhastrika Pranayama can improve respiratory health by increasing lung capacity and strengthening the respiratory muscles.
- Detoxifies the Body: The rapid inhaling and exhaling of Bhastrika Pranayama can help remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
Overall, Bhastrika Pranayama is a powerful and invigorating breathing technique that has numerous benefits for the body and mind. However, as with any pranayama practice, it is important to approach Bhastrika Pranayama with caution and under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Precautions of Bhastrika Pranayama
It is important to note that Bhastrika Pranayama is a powerful and intense breathing technique, and should be practiced with caution. If you have any respiratory or cardiac issues, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider before practicing this technique. Before starting your practice of Bhastrika Pranayama, take guidance from a well-known school or trainer and then begin your training. There are many cautions which need to be followed while practicing it. Also, never go off-limit in its practice. Exhale or Inhale as forcefully as you can.
Begin with 20-30 cycles of Bhastrika Pranayama, and gradually increase the duration over time. However, do not push yourself too hard, especially if you are new to the practice.
Bhastrika Pranayama is not recommended for individuals with respiratory or cardiac issues. Also, if you are having any other disease and is in doubt to practice Bhastrika Pranayama, take advice from your doctor and then involved in its practice.
Bhastrika Pranayama can be practiced any time of the day, but it is best to practice it on an empty stomach or at least two hours after eating. The time of early morning before sunrise is meant to be the best for any type of pranayama practice.
It is recommended to learn Bhastrika Pranayama from a qualified yoga instructor to ensure proper technique and safety. There are certain things which are needed to know before starting bhastrika pranayama.