Bhastrika pranayama and its benefits to you

You all must have felt that during exercise our heart beats faster. This is because our body needs more oxygen when we all are active. A rise in heartbeat is an indication that the heart has started pumping blood faster. But do you know during Bhastrika pranayam you actually pump more oxygen than any other physical exercise? Yes, Bhastrika pranayama, which is a process of rapid inhalation and exhalation, gives the much-needed boost to your body. So, henceforth if you feel exhausted try Bhastrika pranayam and you will instantly feel energized.

What is Bhastrika pranayama?

‘Bhastrika’ in Sanskrit means ‘bellows’, which is used by blacksmiths to ignite the fire. As bellows fan the fire, in the same way Bhastrika pranayama increases the flow of air into the body, which eventually ignites the fire in your body and mind.

How to do Bhastrika pranayam?

  1. Keep your spine erect. With this your diaphragmatic movement becomes better.
  2.  Now, take a deep breath and exhale through the nose (but do not strain). Immediately after exhalation, start breathing in with equal force.
  3. Continue inhalation and exhalation. As you breathe in, your abdomen moves out and diaphragm automatically descends. As you breathe out the reverse happens.
  4. Try to slightly exaggerate the process of inhalation and exhalation. As you do this, strong nasal sound will be produced to. Keep in mind that you maintain the speed which best suits you.
    Do 10 cycles of this pranayam to complete one round.

What are benefits of Bhastrika pranayam?
1. Bhastrika pranayam energizes your body.
2. As this pranayam maximizes your lung capacity so it helps in removing toxins and impurities from your body.
3. This pranayama, if done regularly, removes the blockage in your nose and chest.
4. Bhastrika pranayam is suitable for asthmatic patients (but should be done strictly under the supervision of a yoga trainer) and can also remove inflammation of your throat.
5. It helps in curing sinus, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
6. It helps in balancing ‘doshas’ which in Ayurveda is considered as the main cause of elements.
7. As Bhastrika pranayam increases gastric fire so this improves appetite and digestion.
8. This pranayam improves oxygen in your body so it increases the vitality of your organs.

Precautions during Bhastrika pranayam:

  1. Practice this pranayam on empty stomach.
  2.  Avoid this pranayam if you are pregnant.
  3. Avoid exerting too much pressure. Keep your own pace.
  4. If you suffer from hypertension, panic disorder or other heart or lung related diseases, consult a trained yoga practitioner before going for this pranayam.

A 360-degree overview:

Bhastrika pranayam can cure many ailments if pracitised regularly. In due course of time, you can feel your body recovering from certain diseases which troubled you for a long period of time. As a single pranayam can give you many benefits, so if you do Bhastrika pranayam along with Anulom-Vilom and Kapalbhati, you can actually feel like never before because of your these practices.

 

(The content of this article is for informational purpose only. It cannot be a substitute for advice from a medical practitioner. Read DISCLAIMER for more…)