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One of the most easy pranamaya or breathing exercise in yoga is “bhastrika” or “bellows breath.” It is the most empowering breathing exercise in yoga. This is both an energizing as well as cleansing exercise. If you are feeling fatigue then doing a set of bhastrika breaths will refresh you and clear the clouds from your body and mind. If you are overweight and want to lose some weight then doing a few rounds throughout the day will invigorate your digestive system and substantially improve your metabolism.
However bellows breathe before going to sleep are not recommended as it may invigorate your mind and make it difficult to fall asleep. Similarly “bhastrika” is not advisable in pregnancy.
Bhastrika is generally very safe technique but you should stay tuned in to your body during breathing process. If at any time you feel uncomfortable sensations or light-headedness during the process then discontinue the Bhastrika for a few moments and after coming to normal condition then you can resume the exercise in a less intense manner.
TECHNIQUE
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| Bhastrika Pranayama |
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| Bhastrika Pranayama |
Quick succession of powerful expulsions of breath is the chief characteristic of this Pranayama. Just as the village blacksmith blows out his bellows quickly and rapidly, so also the practitioner of this pranayama blows out the bellows of his lungs in quick and rapid succession. Sit inn Padm asana or Siddh asana with the body, neck and head erect. Begin by relaxing your shoulders and take a few deep, full breaths from your abdomen. Close your mouth and Inhale and exhale through your nostrils quickly 6 to 10 times in rapid succession like the bellows of the village blacksmith. While practicing this Pranayama a hissing sound is loudly heard. Your breathing is entirely from your diaphragm keeping your head, neck, shoulders, and chest relatively still while your belly moves in and out. If you can expel 10 times like this, the tenth expulsion is followed by a deepest inhalation, retained as long as it can be done with comfort, and another deepest exhalation. This completes one round of Bhastrika. Take rest for a while after one round is over, and do another round, and another round. In the beginning you can have three rounds in the morning and three in the evening. You must be able to expel 120 times at a stretch by cautious and gradual practice.
Although bellows breathing is a safe practice but stay tuned into your body during the process. If you feel light-headed or very uncomfortable, stop for a few moments before resuming in a less intense manner.
Although bellows breathing is a safe practice but stay tuned into your body during the process. If you feel light-headed or very uncomfortable, stop for a few moments before resuming in a less intense manner.
BENEFITS
Practicing bhastrika brings immense energy and prana to your body. The ability to manage your life force or prana is essential for all success and fulfillment. Following are only a few major benefits of bhastrika:
1. Cures inflammation of the throat.
2. Increases the gastric fire and stimulates metabolism.
3. Cures diseases of the nose and chest like asthma etc.
4. Substantially increases appetite.
5. Breaks and dissolve the tumors.
6. Enables one to know the mysterious Kundalini power.
7. Removes diseases caused by excess of wind, bile and phlegm.
8. Gives warmth and energy to the body.
9. Purifies the Nadis or channels.
10. Cures Muscular Dystrophy and Oxygen deficiency.
11. Brings about a proper balance of the three Doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and maintains their balance. Doshas are a unique mix of three mind/body principles which creates our specific mental and physical characteristics.
12.Blood is purified and the body gets rid of foreign objects and toxins.
