As we saw in the previous blog article, the discipline of Yoga involves body positions and therefore physical movement, but also includes breathing and purification techniques that prepare us to meditation.
Today I would like to write about a Pranayama technique (Pranayama = control of Prana).
Let's get to know more specifically about the practice of Kapalabhati.
This Sanskrit word means "shining skull" referring precisely to the mental clarity that this exercise allows us to obtain.
It is a remote art and is described in the ancient texts of Hatha yoga (Yoga Pradipica).
This is not only part of the Pranayama techniques but is also considered one of the Kriyas (purification techniques) of yoga and we will soon understand why.
Kapalabhati consists, in fact, in forced and deep exhalations alternating passive and rather short inhalations.
This allows us to eliminate through the nose and abdominal contraction the stagnant air and therefore carbon dioxide that remain in the lungs due to superficial breathing.
It allows us to purify the respiratory tract and re-oxygenate our body.
The abdominal contraction that occurs during exhalation allows the diaphragm muscle to relax and, given its dome shape, to reduce the space between the lungs, helping them to compress and let air out.
Imagine a plastic bottle full of dirty water:
if placed under a tap of running water, the dirty surface water will come out of the bottle letting some clean water in,
the deepest and dirtiest part, however, will not be able to be eliminated unless the bottle is pressed hard and the water is forced out.
In the same way it happens to our lungs, if the exhalation never takes place in a deep way, the air inside them now poor in oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide will never be completely expelled, preventing fresh and oxygen-rich air from entering.
The practice of Kapalabhati allows us to do exactly the same by contracting the abdomen just like pressing the plastic bottle.
This Pranayama technique tones the nervous system and digestive organs, improves concentration and produces energy.
It should be practiced on an empty stomach and it is not recommended to do it in the evening before going to sleep because of the energy it produces in the body.
It is contraindicated in case of pregnancy, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy.
It is important to practice Kapalabhati under the supervision of your teacher if you are not yet confident with its practice.
It requires practice and a little patience, but over time you will surely be able to enjoy the benefits of this breathing technique and I am sure that your diaphragm will thank you too !!
If you want to know more, do not hesitate to contact me
For now, I wish you to enjoy every breath that life gifts us
With Love
Sophie