The 9 Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama

B. K. S Iyengar in his book ‘Light on Pranayama’ writes: “Prana is the breath of life of all beings in the Universe.” It is no surprise, that the pranayama, regulation of breath is integral to the science of yoga.

Additionally, numerous yoga texts severely highlight the importance of yogic breathing techniques in supporting the nervous system and promoting the overall well-being of the body and mind both.

The experienced yogis realize that different yogic breathing techniques: Nadi Shodhana, KapalBhati, Bhastrika, etc., produce specific effects like increasing the energy levels, boosting the metabolic processes, and elevating physical and mental health.

Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows Breath is a pranayama tool for enhancing the energy levels. Bhastrika is a traditional pranayamic technique practiced for mental relaxation, decongestion of the lymph, and for releasing tensions from the abdomen.

Learn the steps and health benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama in the upcoming section:

1. Sit in Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

2. Inhale deeply and fill the lungs with air

3. Hold the breath for 3-5 seconds and release the vital force of energy

4. Practice Bhastrika pranayama by inhaling and exhaling forcefully.

5. Perform 15-20 rounds of Bhastrika Pranayama.

Practice Tips:

• Start your pranayama practices with the Bhastrika pranayama followed by the Kapalbhati Yogic breathing.
• Never practice Bhastrika on a full stomach or at night.
• People suffering from Heart problems and Hypertension should refrain from practicing this Pranayama technique.
• Pregnant Women and Individuals under a migraine attack should also not practice this pranayama.
• Try to increase the count as the stamina increases.

Top Health Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama:

1. A Dosha Balancing Technique: The Bhastrika Pranayama technique is a balancing agent that harmonizes the three doshas of the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Balanced the body humor is the key to keeping the health in a perfect state capable of magical experiences.

2. Supports Parasympathetic Nervous System: The correct practice of Bhastrika Pranayama balances autonomic nervous system through the enhanced activation of a parasympathetic nervous system– the mental state that regulates stress and promotes better organ functioning. The Bhastrika pranayama is valuable for brain oxygenation keeping it healthy.

3. Benefits the Motor System: The Bhastrika pranayama produces excellent psychological health benefits. It benefits the motor system– the part of the central nervous system involved in movements. The motor system is responsible for body movements through cellular communication from the brain.

4. Body-Mind Energizer: The Bhastrika pranayama is a natural energizer that vitalizes the body and mind in a profound manner. Whenever you are riding low on energy levels, practice this forceful breathing technique for recharging the energy batteries to the fullest.

5. Good for Depression: Here’s the good news for people dealing with anxiety and depression. There exists a natural and powerful technique of treating the horrendous disease of depression– the Bhastrika Pranayama. An alternative to medications, it is a safe method of dealing with anxiety issues for yielding positive results.

6. Treats Fibrosis: Fibrosis is a medical condition that results in the excessive formation of fibrous connective tissues in a reactive manner. Critically, it can deeply interfere with or inhibit the architecture and functioning of the underlying tissues or organs. Bhastrika Pranayama is found to be effective in treating the condition of Fibrosis in an efficient manner.

7. Great for Lungs: The Bhastrika Pranayama is a great exercise for the lungs and for people suffering from respiratory problems, cold, flu, allergies, and breathlessness. This technique strengthens the lungs, loosens the congestion, clears the airways, etc., making it a wholesome choice for diverse health problems.

8. Fortifies Immunity: The Bhastrika Pranayama strengthens the immunity of a practitioner. Enhanced immunity levels are important for protecting the body from the attack of disease-causing viruses and bacterias. In whole, this yogic breathing tool keeps the immunity system and health strong.

9. Checks Sleep Apnea: Do you often hear complaints that you snore loudly while sleeping, do you feel perennially tired after a full night sleep, or your breathing repeatedly starts and stops during sleep? If yes, then you have Sleep Apnea. Bhastrika Pranayama is medicine to check and treat this problem holistically.

Extensively practice the Bhastrika Pranayama technique for a robust and energized body and mind.