blog detail banner

Diabetes and Exercise

How To Do Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breathing Technique) Video

Dec 5, 2016

pranayam is a powerful breathing technique that has deep physiological impact on the body, getting our entire system into perfect rhythm and balance. ‘Kapal’ means skull and ‘bhati’ is illumination. So the term kapalbhati literally translates into shining skull – radiance from within.

Kapalbhati Pranayam Procedure

Step 1 To answer “how to do Kapalbhati,” first, you need to sit cross-legged in a comfortable position. Make sure that your back is straight. If you have a back problem, then take support against a wall.

Step 2 Now, take deep a breath in and quickly exhale making a hissing sound. When you exhale pull your navel and stomach back towards the spine.

Step 3 The inhaling should be stress-free so, don’t make it a forced effort while inhaling.

Repeat this 20 times to complete one set of Kapalbhati.

Easy Tips For Doing Kapalbhati

  • The exhalation has to be forceful. You are almost throwing out your breath.
  • Do not force your inhalation. It will happen naturally.
  • Keep your focus on the breathing.

Benefits of Pranayama

Practicing Kapalbhati every day improves the function and strength of the pancreas, which is your gland that produces insulin.

Is Kapalbhati Safe For All?

It is important to know benefits and dangers alike before embarking upon a routine that includes this and other yogic asanas. While this asana helps in cleansing lungs and rejuvenating the respiratory system it should not be practised by people with heart diseases, high blood pressure and hernia. Dizziness and hypertension are two of the pranayama side effects and hence these asanas should be done carefully without applying any undue force.

Harsha Banthia
Harsha is a Sivananda certified Yoga Teacher and a K11 Fitness instructor. She is passionate about healing and uses yoga, panic healing, fitness training and Tibetan Bowl sound therapy to restore her clients back to great health and balance.