KEVALI KUMBHAKA PRAYANAMA

Pranayama is of two general types: “Absolute” with inhalation and exhalation (sahita), and without inhalation and exhalation (kevali). Kevali is simply “confining the air with ease,” without “Alone” inhalation and exhalation.

Kevali Kumbhaka Pranayama,

When the full length of the wind is all confined in the body, nothing being allowed to go out, it is Kevala Kumbhaka. There are no regular Rechaka and Puraka in this process. It is only (Kevala) Kumbhaka. By inspiring air by both nostrils, let him perform Kevala Kumbhaka. It is pranayama technique involving retaining the breath, it helps increase breath control and lung capacity.

"Kevali" kumbhaka implies a kumbhaka "without" inhalation or exhalation. In other words, in kevali, there is complete suspension of breath, and thus, no inhalation or exhalation. Is such a thing possible? Yes, it happens. I'm not talking about swamis and yogis. I'm talking about all of you!

Just like anything else, breath control and capacity increase with practice. In kevali kumbhaka (pronounced kay-VAH-lee koom-BAH-kah) you practice holding your breath. Don’t make yourself dizzy. Don’t hold your breath until you faint. Just hold your breath until you feel like you need to let it go again. The more you practice this technique, the longer you’ll be able to hold your breath, which increases your lung capacity and makes your breathing more efficient.

TECHNIQUE

1. Inhale deeply through the nose and hold breath.

2. Hold for as long as is comfortable.

3. Exhale gently, slowly, and fully.

4. Repeat several times.

BENEFITS:

After doing Kevali you feel more energized. It is a great way to prime your body for yoga postures. One who knows Pranayama and Kevali is the real Yogi. There is nothing in the world which may be difficult to obtain for him who is able to keep air confined according to pleasure by means of Kevali Kumbhaka.