Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati – The shining head

Kapalbhati is a “shuddhikaran”(purification) process & is related to the respiratory system. The word kapalbhati is made up of two words, kapal meaning the forehead & bhati means shining. The process of kapalbhati is very intensive in nature as it influences the organs behind the skull in a good manner.

Posture: The process should be performed in sitting position like sukhasana. The spine should remain moderately erect and head should be straight. One should sit in dhyan mudra -the top of the index figure and the thumb connected in a coiled manner. This mudra has many wonderful benefits like inducing calming effect, improving concentration and reasoning capacities. Eyes should be kept shut normally and within a few minutes of continuing this pose the body will be in tune with itself resulting in less movements.

Process: Kapalbhati is primarily based on forceful exhalation (Rechaka) through nostrils & subsequent inhalation (puraka). The emphasis is more on exhalation and inhalation is just for the namesake.  While performing exhalation, the diaphragm and abdomen muscles should be pulled inwards and exhalation should happen as a reflex action. Hence, we do not exhale for long as the exhalation process is not prolonged. We normally exhale 500 to 600 cc air per exhalation but during kapalbhati, 40-50 cc of more air is exhaled. The lungs and abdomen muscles are tightened & relaxed during the process. One must follow the following cycle of Kapalbhati:

1.      Keep inhaling and exhaling gradually.

2.      The pooraka & rechaka should be performed for at least 21 times in one round.

3.      The cycle of repetitions should be increased according to individual capacity & under no circumstances should one exert force upon self.

Precaution: Patients suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases should practice this under an expert guidance.