Note:- This is one of the six cleansing processes of Hathayoga. This is related with the respiratory system.
Introduction:- Spreading out comfortable ' Asana' (sitting material like blanket, kusha, deer skin or towel), sit in Padmasana, Svastikasana, or in any comfortable posture. While doing Kapalabhati, there is a chance of shakening the body with jerk hence sit firmly. As the bellows of blacksmith draws air in or leaves air out with sound , so we have to practise inhaling through nostrils and exhaling forcibly soon, keeping our mouth closed. The navel region is drawn in during each exhalation and bulged out at the time of inhalation. This is to be practised repeatedly, rightly and rapidly. Here exhalation is given prominence, inhalation takes place automatically.
Technique :-
- Sit erect in any Asana (Padmasana, Samasana, or in any comfortable Asanas) spreading out some sittina matarial.
- Put both hands on respective knees.
- Exhale forcibly through both the nostrils. Simultaneously abdomen will be drawn in.
- Soon after completing exhalation with jerk, take the breath in and bring the abdomen in previous position.
- Remain composed while exhaling.
- Those having throat infection, should exhale air touching it to the nostrils.
- Those having too much sneezing tendency, should practise it with contracted glottis producing sound as in Ujjayi.
- This is very useful in asthma, cold and constipation.
- Liver and sple en are made strong and efficient through its practice.
- This makes repiratory rhythm constant.
- Those suffering from diabetes should not practise it.
- Those having complaint of ulcer or bile in abdomen should not practise it.