KAPALBHATI

 Known as “Shining Skull Breath” (Or “Frontal Brain Cleansing Breath”)

 This is considered a cleansing process (shatkarma), although unlike most shatkarmas, it can be done every day
(Why is it considered a cleansing process? Because the forceful exhales expel impurities and mucus from your
upper respiratory tract)
 When you are doing more than one pranayama technique in your practice, always practice this one first since it
cleans out your airways for the others
 Practice this breath only for short periods because it is an energy wasting kriya (practice), and be sure to follow
it up with another pranayama technique (or at least normal long, deep breaths)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

 Hypertension  Cystic brain tumor

 Chronic asthma  Epilepsy
 Heart blockages  Stroke
 Menstruation  Vertigo
 Pregnancy  Edema
 Diarrhea  Hepatitis
 Hernia  Too much pitta (Pitta means “fire” in
 Gastric ulcer Ayurveda. This could mean hyper
 Migraine metabolism, a very aggressive
personality, a fever, etc.)

BENEFITS:

 Relieves constipation  Helps clear up acne

 Improves digestion  Prevents hair loss
 Combats lethargy  Improves dark circles
 Improves concentration and focus  Strengthens weak eyes
 Cleans out upper respiratory tract  Beneficial for diabetics ONLY IN SHORT
 Relieves sinusitis BURSTS
 Improves dry scalp/dandruff

PRECAUTIONS:

 Don’t practice right before bed, as it will energize you

 If at any point you start to feel dizzy, STOP. Return to normal breathing
 Only practice this on an empty stomach, or the forceful abdominal contractions may make you sick
KAPALBHATI
TECHNIQUE:

 Sit up straight in a comfortable pranayama position and close your eyes. Relax and draw your focus
inward
 Take one long inhale and exhale before you begin
 Inhale
 Begin to forcefully exhale by pushing the air out using your rectus abdominis muscles (abs)
 In between exhales, passively inhale. The inhales should be a natural refilling of your lungs and your abs
should relax while inhalation occurs
 Be sure to keep your face relaxed and the rest of your body still. Only your abdominal area should be
contracting and expanding with your breath
 Start with about 10 breaths per round. At the end of the round, come back to normal breathing
 Eventually you can build up to 50 breaths per round. Advanced practitioners can do 60-100 breaths or
more per round
 Practice up to 5 rounds

TAKEAWAYS:

 Energizes you and improves your concentration

 Exercises your abdominals
 Boosts your digestion and metabolism
 Increases energy in the head and neck area