Morning Purification: Kapalabhati Pranayama (Shining Skull)

Kapalabhati is intermediate to advanced technique, that can be practiced by beginners at 1/2 pace and effort. It removes impurities from lungs and sinuses, while strengthening the diaphragm and entire core. It requires an upright sitting posture that is steady (no shaking) and comfortable (no tension). Try in the morning to clear up breathing pathways and skip the Claritin!

Kapal (forehead) + Bhati (to shine) = Kapalabhati (Shining skull) pranayama.

Shat karma = classical purification technique of Hatha Yoga, this one:

• strengthens #diaphragm, stomach muscles, #liver and #pancreas function
• clears stagnation (#phlegm) from lower lungs (#Kapha)
• aids #digestion and removal of acidity, gas related problems and belly fat
• strengthens the #lungs and increases lung capacity
• removes blockages in the heart and lungs
• increases #blood supply to various parts of body
• removes #lethargy and #inertia (#Tamas)
• pressurizes base of brain, activating brain cells and improving #memory and #concentration

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to proceed slowly – simply focus of slow and thorough abdominal contraction when you exhale. Better to be smooth and thorough than sharp and fast! Because there ARE contraindications for practicing Kapalabhati:

• high or low bloodpressure
• heart disease
• hernia
• gastric ulcer
• epilepsy
• vertigo
• migraine
• headaches
• frequent nosebleeds
• detached retina
• glaucoma
• history of stroke
• recent abdominal surgery

HOMEWORK:

Proceed slowly and focus on THOROUGH exaltation via strong contraction of abdominal wall. Keep your pelvic floor slightly engaged to stabilize your seated posture, TRY NOT TO SHAKE with force of your exhalation. If practiced correctly – I dunno about you, I feel clear as whistle after this one 🙂

Ayurvedic focus: Kapha