KAPALABHATI - CLEANSING THE LUNGS

Introduction

Abdominal pumps, Kapalabhati (Kapala = skull, Bhati = shine), are an important part of the practice of pranayama for its beneficial effects on the brain and the important supply of oxygen and energy it brings to the entire organism. It is also a purification exercise (Kriyas) for the lungs. This practice consists in exhaling vigorously through the nose by pulling in the abdomen on exhalation. On inhalation, the abdomen fills in and naturally comes back to its original position.

Technique

1. Sitting in a crossed leg position, back straight, neck in line with the spine, eyes closed.
2. Inhale, inflate abdomen.
3. Exhale vigorously through the nose, pulling the abdomen in.
4. On inhalation, let the abdomen naturally come back to its original position.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 for about 30 to 50 times, in a rhythmic way.
6. Take 3 deep breaths, making the exhalation a bit longer to relax the lungs and the abdomen.
7. On the third exhalation, empty the lungs as much as you can.
8. Inhale about three quarters of the capacity of the lungs and hold the breath.
9. Focus on the solar plexus and hold the breath as long as it is comfortable, without ever forcing the retention.
10. Exhale and breath deeply to relax.

This series constitutes one round of Kapalabhati. In a regular practice, one can go up to 3 rounds, increasing the amount of pumps at each round (ex: 30 – 50 – 70 or 50- 100 – 150)

Tips

When exhaling, there should not be any tension in the shoulders, the face and the abdomen. The belly should remain relaxed and the abdominal muscles should not be contracted. It can be helpful to imagine that on each exhalation, one tries to get rid of a fly that would have landed right under your nose.

Benefits

• Brings oxygen and stimulates frontal lobes of the brain.
• Optimizes gaseous exchanges (oxygen and CO2)
• Stimulates organs of digestion.
• Prevents constipation.
• Reduces excess of mucus in the organism.
• Frees the solar plexus from accumulated emotional tensions.
• Quickly recharge the solar plexus and the entire organism in vital energy (Prana).

Caution

• Lesions in the lungs.
• High blood pressure.
• Injury in the abdomen.

Other Practices:

Basti (Cleansing Of The Intestines)

Neti (Cleansing Of The Nose)

Nauli (Abdominal Churning)

Abdomen Cleansing By Fire

Cleansing of the Tongue (Jihva Dhauti)

Cleansing of the Lungs (Kapalabhati)