Kapalabhati Pranayama

Published on June 11, 2007

The breath of fire or the skull shining breath is invigorating, energizing, and purifying.

Kapalabhati is a very active, forced exhalation with a passive inhalation. To exhale, the belly quickly pumps into the spine forcing the air out of the nose (like trying to blow out a candle through you nose). Place a hand on your belly to feel the belly actively pumping. Play with the tempo (45-60 exhalations/30 seconds), but keep a steady rhythm. Start with 2-3 rounds of 30 exhalations, and gradually increase the exhalations if comfortable.

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7 responses to “Kapalabhati Pranayama”

  1. prativaa2004 Avatar
    prativaa2004

    am a premium member.but dont seem to have access to the audio.can this be rectified.thnx

  2. Timothy Avatar
    Timothy

    prativaa2004 – I’m seeing it fine. Please contact customer support to resolve this issue with your account

  3. prativaa2004 Avatar
    prativaa2004

    thanx…itsfine now…….

  4. Sury Nama Avatar
    Sury Nama

    Thank you. That clarified alot of questions. I appreciate how the audio allowed me to experience the rythym. Thanks again.

  5. Jairy Avatar
    Jairy

    I don’t understand how you inhale in this breathing method? please help me out.

  6. Timothy Avatar
    Timothy

    Jairy – The inhalation is passive and you don’t have to think about inhaling. Focus on the exhale and just relax the abdominals after the exhale.

  7. Jairy Avatar
    Jairy

    thank you, timothy!

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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