Shining Skull Breath 1 – Kapalabhati

This breath is called Kapalabhati in Sanskrit – ‘Kapala’ means skull and ‘Bhati’ means to clean or shine. This pranayama is very purifying and stimulating.

Through the rapid succession of sharp expulsions of the breath the nasal passages are cleaned and purified, this breath uses powerful contractions of the abdominal muscles as well, toning the belly. Don’t be surprised if you begin to sweat in this powerful pranayama! Duration: 8 min

Benefits: invigorating, purifying, energizing, stimulates the mind, improves memory, increases lung capacity, tones abdominals

Contraindications: do not perform this pranayama if you are pregnant, menstruating, have untreated high blood pressure; also, avoid if you are recovering from recent surgery

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj