Yoga: Breath Work Essential

Discover a Powerful Mind-Detox Technique

By: Arun Goel

In this issue, I’m going to tell you of a power-breathing technique that is proven to help overcome blues, negativity, stress, depression – all, in a minute!!

Almost ALL mind-body schools and cults have used this single mind-detoxification technique in some form or the other – with dramatic results!! More importantly, it is the ONLY technique used exclusively for mind purification among all the Yoga cleansing routines.

It is called cleansing breath or “kapalbhati” in Sanskrit.

So we all know that “Laughter is the best medicine”. But do you really know why??
No points for guessing – because, it works exactly the same way as this cleansing breath technique.

Kapalbhati has a remarkable effect as a de-stressing tool and clearing the mind of negative emotions. In fact, the Sanskrit words “Kapal” means the skull and “bhati” means polishing / shining.
“Kapalbhati”, as the name suggests, is a method to make the head “sparkling clean” and devoid of toxins.

Before I plunge in to explain the method, the usual important alert on “who should not do it?” If you’re suffering from cardiac problems, nasal obstructions, cold any severe respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult your physician. It should also be avoided if you suffer from High BP, diabetes or abdominal ulcers.

Now for the method:

Although, the cleansing breath is remarkably simple, it is important that it is done properly. If you are confused by the “how to do it” given below, I strongly recommend that you download the video (we’ve made special arrangements) by clicking here

How to do it? 

Sit in a comfortable position with spine erect. You can sit either cross-legged or in “vajrasana” or in any position that you feel comfortable.
Breathe normally for about a minute. Once composed, you can begin.
First, Exercise the diaphragm by exhaling suddenly and quickly through both nostrils, producing a “puffing” sound. Don’t focus on inhalation. It will be automatic and passive.
The air is exhaled completely from the lungs with a sudden, vigorous stroke while simultaneously drawing inwards the abdominal muscles.
The breath should be expelled fully. Inhaling is automatic – the abdominal muscles will relax automatically. This exercise should be done in three rounds, each consisting of 11 strokes (for the beginner).
Each round should take about a minute. A little rest can be taken in between the rounds according to your convenience. Throughout the exercise, the chest should be kept still without expansion or contraction. Only the diaphragm is used for breathing and not the upper chest.

Over a month the number of strokes can be increased gradually from 11 to 30 per minute.