Bellows Breath

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Bhastrika

Vidhivatkumbhakam Kritva Rechayedidyanilam,
Vatapittashleshmaharam shariralgnivivardhanam.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika – 2:65

Having performed (pranayama and) retention systematically, exhale through the left nostril. Thereby imbalances of wind, bile and mucus are annihilated and the digestive fire (is) increased.

This pranayama imitates the action of ‘bhastra’ or bellows. This way a practitioner fans his internal fire, heating the physical and subtle bodies. As a result of systematic and equal lung movement, breath is sucked in and pushed out with a little force. The inhalation and exhalation should not be so forceful that there is any movement of the nostrils.

Techniques:

• Sit straight in a meditative posture of your choice
• Keep the spine, neck and head in straight line
• Softly close the eyes and relax the face
• Inhale deeply and exhale forcefully without strain
• Slightly exaggerating the above movement repeat for ten breaths
• Once done, take a deep breath in and breath out slowly
• This is one round
• Repeat for four more rounds
• Practice once again for ten breaths and take a pause
• Keep the eyes closed and focus awareness on the breath

Contraindications:

• High blood pressure
• Hernia
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy

Benefits:

• Detoxifies the body
• Stimulates metabolism
• Alleviates inflammation of throat
• Relieves asthma