Deep inhalation makes the dead space of the lungs active, thus improving oxygenation of tissues and cleanses the body as a whole." Other than this the toxins and foreign substances from the body are evacuated."Īs per the International Journal of Yoga, "Rapid Kapalabhati Pranayama is known to maintain acid-base balance. Pregnant women and those during menstruation must also avoid doing Kapalbhati.Īccording to the Ministry of Ayush, Kapalbhati "increases the blood circulation in the brain and removes blood clots, thereby improving the memory power. People with heart/lung/abdomen/spinal cord problems or any other chronic illness must avoid it. Though a healthy person without any existing medical condition may practice Kapalbhati, it is always recommended that one consult a doctor and an expert yoga practitioner before incorporating it into their daily routine. And when exhalation takes place vigorously and consciously, the inhalation happens automatically.Īsanas and Pranayam must always be performed under an expert's guidance. It is a method of exhaling forcefully to eliminate wastes detrimental to one's well-being. Kapalbhati is a short, dynamic and repetitive form of exhalation (involving the lungs and the abdomen) through the nostrils to remove toxins from the body. According to the Ministry of Ayush, "Kapalbhati means the exercise which makes the forehead luminous & lustrous".Īnd such a state can be achieved when one incorporates Kapalbhati in his/her routine life and practices it to perfection. Hence, it is a technique of attaining a glowing forehead, both on the outside and within. The term Kapalbhati consists of Kapal (forehead/skull) and Bhati (shining/glowing) - which translates into 'shining forehead' or 'illuminating head'. So what is Kapalbhati and what are its health benefits? What is Kapalbhati? One such component of Yoga is the Kapalbhati. This form of exercise that governs the physical and the mental aspects of one's being has myriad health benefits. Asanas, as well as Pranayam, are integral parts of the multi-faceted path of Yoga.
Yoga, India's age-old custom of training the body and the mind, has millions of practitioners worldwide.
What is Kapalbhati, and what are its health benefits? (Pic credit: istockphoto)