Bhastrika Pranayama

Published on December 28, 2006

The bellows breath is warming, energizing, and purifying.

Bhastrika is similar to Kapalabhati pranayama, but as it is an much more intense practice, proficiency in Kapalabhati must be attained before one attempts Bhastrika. Bhastrika is a quick, active exhalation and inhalation. You will feel your belly quickly pumping in and out like the bellows of a blacksmith as the abdominal muscles engage to assist you with this pranayama. Play with the tempo (40-50 exhalations/30 seconds), but keep a steady rhythm. Start with 1-2 rounds of 20 exhalations, and gradually increase the exhalations if comfortable.

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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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