Bhastrika Pranayama: Breathing like the bellows Pranayama, or breathing exercises, are essential elements alongside asanas, meditation, and relaxation , elements you're surely familiar with from your yoga practice in class or at home. Yogic breathing also comes in various forms. Like the asanas, they have different effects. One of these breathing forms, which has a long tradition, is Bhastrika. Bhastrika Pranayama is an ancient breathing method that translates as "little bellows" in Sanskrit. Here you'll learn how to use Bhastrika Pranayama correctly, what you should keep in mind, and what benefits this breathing practice can bring you.
Firm inhalation and exhalation
Bhastrika Pranayama means that both inhalation and exhalation are performed very intensely. The whole process occurs very quickly, in between five and ten breathing cycles. If performed correctly, a distinct hissing sound will be audible. The Bhastrika Pranayama cycle ends with an exhalation, which should be as deep as possible. This is followed by a holding position in which you activate all three bandhas: Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha , and Jalandhara Bandha . After a short rest, you can repeat this process. Three cycles are recommended.
Healing effects
The healing effects of Bhastrika Pranayama are already mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This breathing exercise can be particularly helpful for the respiratory system. It is used for inflammation in the throat and pharynx, but also for asthma and nasal congestion. The exercise can remove mucus from the body, allowing you to breathe freely again. Bhastrika Pranayama can also be helpful for constipation. This form of breathing can sustainably strengthen the digestive fire in your body. You can support this process even more with a targeted diet. For example, in Ayurveda, there are foods that further ignite the digestive fire.
Preparation is important
Bhastrika Pranayama is one of the advanced breathing exercises. It's best to prepare for it slowly, preferably with the support of an experienced yoga teacher you trust. First, you should have incorporated asanas into your daily practice. The consumption of alcohol, drugs, or nicotine is not suitable for yogic breathing in Bhastrika Pranayama. Diet is a key factor in Pranayama practice. A vegetarian diet without meat and fish is important. Furthermore, as a yogi, breathing practice is ideally something you'll have practiced for a long time. Alternate nostril breathing, which you can learn relatively early in a yoga class, is often an important building block on the path to Bhastrika Pranayama. Kapalabhati , a firm inhalation followed by a gentle exhalation, will also help you prepare.
Bhastrika Pranayama and Meditation
Bhastrika, as a form of pranayama, is a way to expand your consciousness and should therefore be incorporated into your spiritual practice. It serves to activate Kundalini , the serpent at the base of your spine, which is the subject of your creative powers. Your meditation will also likely improve through pranayama based on Bhastrika. The more you free yourself from impurities, expand your consciousness, and allow prana to flow, the closer you come to experiencing the Divine. You will discover your Self and a greater sense of balance in your life.
Your path to Bhastrika Pranayama
If you want to practice this pranayama, you need a quiet place because of its spiritual nature. Sit in the lotus position (Padmasana) and maintain an upright posture. It's best to practice in the morning, but it's also possible in the evening. It's important to interrupt your practice if you feel dizzy and return to your normal breathing rhythm. It's also better if the environment around you is cool, but definitely not too hot. If you start to sweat, this is a completely normal process with this very special form of pranayama.
Image © fizkes / 123rf.com
