Bhastrika: The Warm, Light Pranayama that Balances Your Kapha

Kapha is made of water and earth. It’s mainly heavy, sticky, cool and oily. Bhastrika, also called Bellows Breath, has the opposite qualities. It’s stimulating, warm, and lifts the excess kapha. Bellows breath helps increase the graceful flow of prana through the body’s energy channels. It also helps remove excess congestion in the lungs and brightens the mind.

Bhastrika is best for springtime, or anytime you feel sluggish, lethargic, mildly congested, or unmotivated.

It is, however, a breathing technique that is meant to be done on an empty stomach. It is always advised to have a tissue on hand in case excess mucus is loosened. Experts also suggest avoiding Bhastrika during pregnancy, or if you have heart or respiratory conditions.

How to do Bhastrika Pranayama

• Sit comfortably and elongate your spine

• Rest your hands on your lap and close your eyes

• Relax your facial muscles and jaw

• Inhale through your nose

• Exhale fully and deflate your lungs

• Continue the breathing technique Laying enough emphasis to each inhalation and deflation

• Keep a straight posture and squeeze out excess kapha

• Continue for 15-20 seconds and return to a normal breathing pattern slowing

You will notice the warmth, lightness and stimulation of Bhastrika pranayama wash over you and balance your Kapha. To know more about a healthy lifestyle, consult a Jiva doctor today. Dial 0129-4040404 or click on ‘Speak to a Doctor’ under the CONNECT tab in Jiva Health App.