Bhastrika Breath

                                                                 Bhastrika Breath
In Sanskrit, Bhastrika means 'bellows'. This exercise is characterized by continual exhalation of breath, producing a sound similar to a blacksmith's bellows. It is a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi, Bhastrika is the most beneficial of all the Kumbhakas.

Technique :
Sit in the position of Padmasana or Siddh¬asana. Keep the body, the neck and the head erect. Place the hands on the knees or on the laps. Close the mouth. Breath fast and vigorously and exhale fast and forcefully like bellows. Repeat this in quick successive jerks five to ten times. Similarly, contract and expand the lungs. While practicing this Pranayama, there will be a sound resembling air rushing through the bellows. An aspirant should inhale and exhale continually and quickly. When one cycle of inhalation and exhalation is completed, the aspirant should take a deep breath and hold it for as much time as possible without reaching the point of exhaustion. Then exhale. This is one cycle of Bhastrika. Then breath in a normal way for some time and rest for a while. This will give some relief and prepare the aspirant for fresh cycles of Bhastrika Practise three such cycles every morning, and if possible, practise two or three cycles in the evening. Busy persons, if unable to practise three cycles, should practise one cycle only. Even one cycle is enough for perfect health.
In winter, Bhastrika may be practised in the morning and in the evening, but in summer it should be practised only in the coolness of the morning.

Health Benefits of Bhastrika Yoga :-
■Bhastrika reduces the swelling in the throat. It kindles gastric fire and removes cough. It cures chest-ailments, asthma and tuberculosis.
■Bhastrika cures all the diseases caused by phlegm, windiness and bile (Kafa, Vata and Pitta).
■Bhastrika unlocks the mouth of the Sushumna nadi.
■It gives temporary warmth to the body.
■Kapalabhati clears the skull, the respiratory system and the nasal cavities.
■As Kapalabhati eliminates the cough accumulated in the wind-pipe, asthma is cured.
■This exercise supplies plenty of oxygen to the air-cases (alveoli) in the lungs preventing viruses like the tuber culous bacilli from doing any damage to them.
■It draws out a large quantity of carbon dioxide from the body and thus purifies blood.
■It tones up the heart and activates the respiratory system, the circulatory system and the digestive system.