Tip of the Week: Blowing in Firm Pose (Kapalbhati Breathing)

Kapalbhati Pranayama is a cleansing breathing exercise done at the completion of the 26 postures. In Sanskrit, Kapal means forehead or skull and Bhati means shining. So, Kapalbhati is known as the practice which leads to the cleansing of your mind through rapid exhalation. This exercise is just all about inhaling and exhaling but surprisingly it has tons of benefits. Kapalbhati plays a very important role in keeping your heart healthy, improving your digestive system, removing toxins, strengthening your abdominal wall and keeping your mind peaceful and free from negative thoughts.




Tips: 

• Sit on your heels and with straight arms place your hands on your knees.
• Focus your gaze at yourself in the mirror.
• Completely relax your abdomen.
• Take a small inhalation. Pull your belly in and up to sharply exhale.
• Place a hand on your stomach to make sure your midsection is moving in and out as it should.
• ONLY YOUR ABDOMEN SHOULD BE MOVING.
• Do not bounce or move your shoulders up and down.
• Inhale will happen automatically, so focus on exhaling.
• Exhale like you are blowing out a birthday candle, but keep your face and lips relaxed.
• Pick up the pace in the second set and work to stay in rhythm with the group.