Bhastrika Pranayama and its health benefits

Today is our topic is on ‘Bhastrika pranayama‘. Here, we will be also talking about Pranayama, its benefits, therapeutic properties and so on. Pranayama and Asanas both comes under Yoga. There is a major difference between Asanas and Pranayama. In Asanas, several physical movements and practices are engaged; whereas Pranayama is clarified with squat position only with inhale and exhale mechanism, there is just the difference in how to perform different kinds of Pranayamas.

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is made from a Sanskrit word ‘Prana’ means ‘vital force’ or ‘cosmic energy’. It also signifies life or breath. Hence, Pranayama mean the control of the vital force by concentration and regulated breathing.

The Physiological value of Pranayama:-

Before moving to our concerned pranayama, we will be first talking what are the vales and importance of Pranayama. Why are these so important for health and so on.

• Two processes are absolutely essential for life; the absorption of air by inhalation of oxygen; and its expulsion by exhaling the carbonic gas.
• All the bodily system are constantly in operation and we should bear in mind that our body is constantly working, even when it appears to be resting.
• Pranayama is heavily important in our lives. In Pranayama exercises, the chest muscles are stretched to the maximum and the lungs are opened as far as possible.
• They are thus better prepared to carry out their task.
• Pranayama is equally effective in the case of digestion and assimilation.
• The stomach, pancreas, liver all plays a very important role in digestion and they are to benefited from all the various Pranayama exercises.
• It also gives massage to the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
• Pranayama exercises are excellent to relieving such congestion, stimulating a torpid pancreas and bringing genuine improvement to all such gastric complaints.

It is also said in Bhagwad Gita; ” When the mind and body are working together harmoniously due to Yoga discipline, we can find calm and peace of mind every moment”.

Now, we will be moving to our concerned Pranayama topic which is “Bhastrika Pranayama”. It is regarded as one of the most important Pranayama due to its curative values and benefits.

What is Bhastrika Pranayama?

In Sanskrit, the word ‘Bhastrika’ means ‘bellows‘. This exercise is characterised by continual exhalation of breath, producing a sound similar to the blacksmith’s bellows. In fact, it is nothing more than a combination of Kapalbhati and Ujjayi. It begins with Kapalbhati, ends with Ujjayi, includes holding of the breath.

Steps for Bhastrika Pranayama:-

1. Sit on cross-legged or in the Lotus position.
2. The nostrils should be blocked with the thumb, ring finger and little finger.
3. Head should be lowered and the chin firmly buried in the hollow above the sternum.
4. The air is then expelled with the glottis half-open. One should start by performing it twice, then gradually increase the number of times as indicated by the Yoga instructor.

Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama:-

• This Pranayama spreads warmth all over the body and has a purifying effect.
• It regenerates the liver, spleen, pancreas and fortifies the abdominal muscles.
• It improves the digestion and develops and feeling of well-being.
• It enables to eliminate a large quantity of toxins contained in the body, by filling the blood with oxygen and purifying the tissues and nerves.
• It clears the nasal cavity and lungs.
• It is beneficial for Asthma and tones up the body.
• It also helps to develop the power of concentration.

Precautions related to Bhastrika Pranayama:-

• One who fatigued or developing even the slightest sign of fatigue; should not perform this. It can make you easily exhausted and weak.
• Those suffering from high or low blood pressure should not perform this.
• It is not even good for those suffering from pulmonary or cardiac disorders.
• It should be practised under the guidance of experted Yoga teacher.

Time and Place for performing Bhastrika Pranayama:-

• Early morning period; between 5-7 is the best time for any asana or Pranayama.
• If not possible, you can also do it at evening after sunset.
• Parks, gardens, beside river etc are the best spots for Pranayama practice.
  If these are not available, then a room where fresh air enters can also be good. Sit with east-faced for best results.

So, in this way we saw how Pranayamas and Bhastrika Pranayama can be so good for health. Include these in your daily routine and live well!