KAPALAPATHI

Next in our pranayama series is KAPALAPATHI. Though this is one among the pranayama types it is one of the 'Shat Kriyas'(6 cleaning process) 'Kapala' in Sanskrit means skull. and 'Bhati' means to shine. The term 'Kapalabhati' means an exercise that cleanses the skull and make it glow !!!. METHOD: 1)Sit on Padmasana. Keep the hands on knees. Close the eyes. 2)Inhale slowly (but should be long ) 3)Quickly and forcibly exhale immediately by contracting the abdominal muscles with a backward push. Again when inhaling, release the abdominal muscles. 4)Repeat this 4 to 8 times (one cycle) .Continue 3 to 5 cycles . 5)Relax and take few slow deep breath in between the cycles Note:Some people bend their heads when doing fast breathing but personally i feel this will hurt their neck. BENEFITS : It cleanses the respiratory system and the nasal passages. The circulatory and respiratory systems are toned. CAUTION:Stop the practice if u feel pain or strain. Persons with weakness, poor lung , high or low BP, suffering from eye or ear complaints etc should not attempt this pranayama. IT IS BETTER TO PRACTISE THIS UNDER SUPERVISION AND DOCTORS CONSULTATION.