Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellow Breathing)
Bhastrika in Sanskrit means bellows. Pranayam means breath control. In Bhastrika Pranayama (BP), the breathing exercise is accomplished by blowing the abdomen in and out like bellows in a controlled manner.
It can be practiced at a pace comfortable to you. BP is best started at a slow pace and then the pace can be increased as per convenience, especially by those suffering from heart or lung problem. It is done on empty stomach or at least 2 hours after a meal. The body benefits by getting maximum oxygen during Bhastrika Pranayama due to complete inhalation and exhalation of air.
In case a person has heart or lung problem, BP should be done slowly and gently.
How to do Bhastrika Pranayama:
- Sit comfortably on a mat or a chair
- Take a deep breath through both nostrils and fill the lungs with air and then breathe out with hissing sound
- Inhale deeply and exhale completely
- Do BP for at least one minute initially; once used to it should be done for 3 to 5 minutes twice daily to see the result in a few days
Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama:
- Improves blood circulation and helps keep heart problems away
- Relaxes body and mind and helps improve concentration
- Relieves stress
- Help manage depression
- If done slowly, helps manage hypertension
- Improves lung capacity
- Reduces abdominal obesity
- Known to be of benefit for arthritis
- Prevents recurrent throat infection
- Helps improve appetite
- Helps manage asthma, headache, migraine, neurological problems and gastric problems
Seek guidance from a yoga expert if having heart or lung problems.
