A warm welcome once again to all Yoga enthusiasts! Our previous blogs discussed the methods and importance of Anulom Vilom, Ujjayi Pranayama, and Kapalabhati. Pranayama is a vital and integral part of Yoga that profoundly and positively transform your health. Let us learn about Bhastrika Pranayama, which is very useful for the complete detoxification of your spirit, body, and mind.
What Is Bhastrika Pranayama?
The word Bhastrika finds its roots in the Sanskrit word Bastrika which means ‘bellows.’ Bhastrika Pranayama is a rapid breathing technique known as bellow breathing. A blacksmith uses a bellow to forge and maintain the fires that heat and melt metals. Similarly, the Bhastrika breathing technique generates heat within your body and boosts metabolism. Bhastrika Pranayama also stokes your inner fire and allows you to channel your mental and spiritual energies in the correct direction.
Method Of Bhastrika Pranayama
Bhastrika is a fast-paced Pranayama requiring forceful and vigorous breathing. Try to increase the depth of your normal breathing beforehand to prepare your respiratory organs for Bhastrika Pranayama.
- Sit cross-legged or in Sukhasana or Padmasana on the floor. Switch to more comfortable seating, like a couch or bed, if you cannot sit on the floor.
- You may close your eyes or try to fix your gaze on any object or imaginary point. The position of your eyes determines your mental focus while you practice Pranayama.
- Please place your palms on your thighs or knees, or keep your fingers in Gyan Mudra during Bhastrika Pranayama.
- Inhale vigorously and rapidly, followed by forced exhalation to complete one cycle of Bhastrika Pranayama.
- Continue to inhale and exhale short but complete bursts of air rapidly throughout Bhastrika Pranayama.
- Please revert to normal breathing in between two cycles of Bhastrika Pranayama due to the latter’s rapid pace. Continuous vigorous breathing may cause discomfort.
Practice only 3-5 rounds of Bhastrika Pranayama at a time to avoid breathlessness or other breathing difficulties. Avoid excessive breathing pace during Bhastrika Pranayama as that can make you dizzy and uncomfortable. You can combine slow breathing practices like Ujjayi Pranayama or Anulom Vilom with Bhastrika Pranayama to counter the latter’s rapid breathing style.
Bhastrika Pranayama assists in the natural detoxification of your mind and body and uplifts your spiritual well-being. Let us find out more about the detox effect of Bhastrika Pranayama.
Detox Effect Of Bhastrika Pranayama
- Balances Doshas
Ayurvedic principles describe the importance of the three doshas and the personality types they represent. Bhastrika Pranayama modifies the proportions of the three doshas and balances their levels, which is crucial to good health. Bhastrika aids in effective blood detoxification by reducing the harmful components of doshas that are present in excess in your body.
- Purifies Respiratory Organs
The vigorous breathing method of Bhastrika has a profound cleansing effect on your respiratory system. You exhale forcefully during Bhastrika Pranayama, eliminating accumulated toxins, harmful allergens, and possible sources of infection from your lungs and other respiratory organs. Regular practice of Bhastrika keeps seasonal respiratory allergies, lung infections, and other breathing difficulties at bay.
- Cleanses Skin
Every breath you take during Bhastrika Pranayama enhances your skin’s blood flow. Your skin receives a more significant amount of oxygen supply, which allows the elimination of toxins via sweat. You can also get rid of acne, blemishes, and uneven skin tone by practicing Bhastrika Pranayama daily.
- Rejuvenates Mind
It is almost natural for most people to take a deep, long breath while trying to relax. The act of breathing releases stress and mental negativity, allowing you to think clearly. Bhastrika Pranayama detoxifies your mind by soothing your nerves and brain cells. Patients who are on medication for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Bhastrika reduces the effect of emotional baggage and negativity on your mind and enhances your mental focus.
- Aligns Chakras
Subtle and intangible energy resides within each living person and drives their health and well-being. Your Chakras allow your life energy to flow without obstruction and contribute toward your well-being. Bhastrika is a great way to open blocked or passive Chakras and let your body get rid of toxic wastes.
Physical, mental, and spiritual detoxification are crucial to good health. Each cell in your body undergoes detoxification naturally to prevent the accumulation of harmful influences. You can enhance the detoxification process with the regular practice of Bhastrika Pranayama. The detox action of Bhastrika Pranayama paves the way for many of its other beneficial activities on your health.
Health Benefits Of Bhastrika Pranayama
Bhasrtika Pranayama profoundly affects almost every physiological system in your body and also nourishes your mental and spiritual well-being.
- Enhances Awareness
Awareness of self is vital to ensure spiritual well-being. You gain confidence and mental calmness when you know your true self and recognize your life’s purpose. Regular practice of Bhastrika breathing is critical to progress in your spiritual journey as it increases your sense of self-awareness and improves your intuitive senses.
- Improves Digestions
The vigorous breathing style of Bhastrika Pranayama stimulates intestinal motility. Bhastrika Pranayama curbs bloating, constipation, acid-peptic reflux disease, and other digestive disorders. Bhastrika Pranayama tones your intestinal and abdominal wall muscles and enhances your abdominal contour.
- Boosts Metabolism
Bhastrika Pranayama’s beneficial action on your digestive tract increases your gut’s capacity to absorb and assimilate nutrition. Bhastrika breathing improves your body’s fat metabolism and aids in healthy weight loss. Bhastrika Pranayama also contributes toward maintaining a healthy metabolism by improving your liver and gall bladder functions.
- Fortifies Cardiovascular System
Bhastrika Pranayama strengthens your lungs, which in turn improves your cardiac functions. Regular practice of Bhastrika Pranayama tones your cardiac muscles and blood vessels, which regulate your blood pressure. However, you should avoid Bhastrika Pranayama if you have fluctuating blood pressure.
Bhastrika Pranayama: Do’s And Dont’s
Bhastrika Pranayama is an excellent healing therapy that significantly improves mental, spiritual, and physical health. However, even good things in excess can damage your health. Below mentioned are some important points to remember before practicing Bhastrika Pranayama.
- Bhastrika involves fast and vigorous breathing, which may be better for prolonged practice. Breathing too fast or too forcefully during Bhastrika Pranayama can cause dizziness.
- Stop practicing Bhastrika Pranayama immediately if you experience nosebleeds, breathlessness, chest pain, or light-headedness.
- Do not practice Bhastrika Pranayama if you are diagnosed with gastric or intestinal ulcers or have recently undergone surgery for piles or hernia.
- Pregnant women and new mothers should avoid Bhastrika Pranayama without consulting their Yoga teacher.
- Deep breathing before and after Bhastrika Pranayama is crucial to maintaining a healthy respiratory system.
- Patients diagnosed with glaucoma, hypertension, epilepsy, and migraine, and those with a history of cerebral stroke should avoid Bhastrika Pranayama.
Bhastrika Pranayama is a healthy practice that strengthens your lungs, tones your chest and abdominal muscles, and improves your overall well-being. Practice Bhastrika Pranayama for a healthy mind and robust physique. Bhastrika also guides your spiritual development by increasing you’re We will return soon with your next blog on Bhramari Pranayama.
