Pranayama - Kapalabahti, Breath of Fire

 A Yogic breathing practice helps us to tap into an unlimited source of energy. Kapalabahti breathing is both energizing and cleansing. This breathing practice clears the mind, cleans the lungs and sinuses, strengthens the diaphram and abdominal muscles. Known by the common name, Breath of Fire, it brings warmth into the body. In Sanskrit, this breath is know as "shining skull" due to the short rapid exhalations followed with passive inhalations. This action is like giving your brain a massage.

Begin practicing for only a few breaths and be gentle. As you become more used to Kapalabahti, you can increase the strength of your exhalations and the number of rounds that you do.

Avoid doing this for more than 30 rounds because it can be very intense and powerful.

To do the breathing practice:

• Sit comfortably, with a straight back
• Close your mouth, inhale fully
• Exhale with a sniff through your nose. Feel your belly move in as you do this
• Let the inhalations be passive and come naturally after each sniff out

Caution: Avoid Kapalabahti breathing if you have high blood presssure, glaucoma, epilepsy or recent abdominal surgery