What is Kapalbhati Pranayama? 

Kapalbhati Pranayama is a cleansing pranayama that stimulates Jathargandha (digestive fire) and helps remove phlegm from the lungs. It is also practised to develop core strengths.

Kapal Bhati is a Sanskrit term composed of two words: Kapal and Bhati. Kapala means forehead, and Bhati means luminosity, glow, or shine.  

Kapalbhati Pranayam was a medium for illumination and Chakra activation. It is primarily used to treat lung disorders and heart problems in modern times. 

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines Kapal Bhati as a cleansing exercise, the primary practice of the six cleansing techniques known as Shatkarmas.

Kapalbhati pranayama is correctly demonstrated during yoga teacher training and yoga and meditation retreats. It is always important to practice it with an experienced yoga teacher.

Types of Kapalbhati 

There are three types of Kapalbhati pranayama, and these are:-

1. Vatkarma Kapalbhati (air cleansing);
2. Vyutkarma Kapalbhati (sinus cleansing);
3. Shitkarma Kapalbhati (mucus cleansing).

How do you practice Kapalbhati? 

Kapalbhati pranayam is similar to Bhastrika Pranayama. In Bhastrika, equal pressure is exerted on Rechaka (inhalation) and Pooraka (exhalation), while in Kapal Bhati, vigorous exhalation is given full attention. Kapal Bhati Pranayam is done in this sequence: – 

• Sit in Vajrasana (the most beneficial pose to practice) or Siddhasana for optimal results. 
• Keep the trunk, neck, and head in a straight line. 
• Please take a deep breath, allowing the diaphragm to contract and expand the core region. 
• Pay attention to releasing tension by gently stroking the abdominal area.  
• For spiritual growth, resolve in the mind that all impurities and disorders are eradicated from the body during exhalation. 
• Beginners may start with a smaller number of strokes. For example, it can take 30 to 40 strokes to create. After regular practice, a person should be able to perform 60 strokes in a minute. 
• At an advanced level, practitioners may practice it for 10-20 minutes in the morning and evening. 

How much is Kapalbhati for beginners?

Initially, Kapalbhati pranayama should be practiced with patience and perseverance. Checking the body’s condition is essential because breathing is a vigorous practice. 

A yoga beginner should start with 10-20 minutes of practice after practicing twice daily. It can be practiced with long repetitions, between 80 and 100 strokes, after achieving reasonable control of pranic flow.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayam

Kapal Bhati Pranayam is highly beneficial for physical, mental, and spiritual awakening. It is a cleansing exercise for the stomach, but it also promotes tremendous cognitive growth and attains the highest levels of Yogic practices. The benefits of Kapal Bhati Pranayam are as follows: – 

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama is an effective way to cleanse the digestive tract and stimulate digestive fire. 

2. It helps release phlegm from the lungs, effectively treating conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. 

3. Kapal Bhati cures an obstinate disease like constipation within five days. 

4. After practising Kapal Bhati pranayam, the core contractions highly support activating the solar plexus channel. 

5. Kapalbhati pranayama can permanently cure obesity disorder. 

6. It regulates diabetes, activates the Pancreas, and helps lose extra fat from the abdomen. 

7. It helps to cure heart, lung, and brain disorders. 

8. Practising Kapal Bhati pranayam for 30 minutes daily can fully cure diseases like AIDS, vitiligo, infertility, psoriasis, cysts, hepatitis, etc. 

9. Kapal Bhati increases Oja(glow) on the forehead. It also sharpens memory. 

10. It is considered one of the leading practices of activating Kundalini power.  

11. It cleanses all the chakras of the human body and activates all seven. 

12. It restores equilibrium in thoughts and stabilizes the mind, causing all negative thinking to disappear. Thus, one attains the highest level of self-attainment. 

13. Kapal Bhati Pranayam is very effective in cultivating a spiritual lifestyle. It establishes a deep connection with oneself.
14. Kapalbhati pranayama works excellently on Samana prana in our body, which is very effective for curing stomach problems.
15. This pranayama is a cleansing technique in Hatha yoga practices. The main benefit of practising is to keep the digestive tract clean.
16. It works perfectly to improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
17. It improves memory and is highly effective for the nervous system.
18.  Kapalbhati is highly suitable for reducing puffiness under the eyes and releasing tension from the forehead.

Kapalbhati Pranayama Precautions  

It has a magnificent impact on a person’s physical and mental well-being. However, despite its numerous benefits, it also has a few limitations. There are a few precautions of Kapal Bhati Pranayama: – 

• If someone suffers from a severe heart condition, they should avoid Kapalbhati pranayama. 
• Kapal Bhati is not advisable for individuals with stomach problems, such as appendicitis, hernia, or those undergoing surgical procedures. 
• If you have high blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid it. 
• If a person has kidney failure, Kapal bhati should not be practiced. 
• One should not attempt it quickly in the case of extreme fluids and acid in the bowels.
• In the case of open-heart surgery, it is advisable to avoid it. 
• Practicing Kapal Bhati under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher or trainer is advisable.
• It should be practised in several strokes, which is for the precautions of the abdomen.
• It may exacerbate vomiting; please exercise caution during practice.
• There is also a possibility of experiencing dry mouth. Please practice Shitli pranayama after this.

Alternative Treatments similar to Kapalbhati energy flow

1. Pranic healing;
2. Jin Shin Jyutsu;
3. Reiki healing;