Pranayama Practice: Bhastrika Pranayama (Audio Recording)

Pranayama

Pranayama is the 4th limb of the 8 limbs of yoga. Pranayama is the practice of controlling the breath. According to Ayurveda, prana is our life force. When we practice pranayama, we are harnessing that life force. Prana is also the connection between the mind and the body. Therefore, when we practice pranayama, we are unifying the body and mind. There are many forms of pranayama in Ayurveda. Some increase lunar energy like Adham Pranayama. While others increase solar energy like Kapalabhati Pranayama or Bhastrika Pranayama which we discuss in this post. Finally there are pranayama practices that balance both the lunar and solar energies like Nadi Shodana Pranayama.

Bhastrika Pranayama

In this Ayurveda pranayama audio recording, you will be led through a 10 minute Bhastrika Pranayama breathing practice. In Ayurveda, pranayama is used as a treatment or chikitsa and depends on the dosha of the person and/or their current imbalances. Heating forms of pranayama like Bhastrika are generally recommended for kapha dosha and kapha imbalances. This form of pranayama has a forceful exhalation and a forceful inhalation. This addition of the forceful inhalation is where it differs from kapalabhati pranayama. You inhale and exhale for the same length and with the same force. As you practice this breathing technique it will feel as if your lungs and ribs are like a blacksmith’s bellows stoking the fire of your digestion, metabolism and energy. In Bhastrika pranayama, the diaphragm pulls air into the lungs and the abdominal muscles force it out. The breath should be located in the belly and not the thoracic body or the chest. In fact the chest and ribs should stay relatively still throughout this practice. It is the belly that will be moving.

Because bhastrika is a very active and heating practice, it is not recommended for all people. Bhastrika should not be practiced by pregnant or menstruating women, as well as, for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, hernias, gastric ulcers, epilepsy, vertigo, nosebleeds, detached retinas, glaucoma, recent abdominal surgery, and anyone at risk for stroke. People struggling with asthma or chronic bronchitis should only practice bhastrika with a teacher.

The pace of the breath is different for each person. However, with time, people often find their speed increases. How fast or slow you practice kapalabhati is not important. The quality of your practice is the most important. Remember there shouldn’t be any straining or forcing when practicing pranayama. We always want to feel peace and ease when we practice. Now follow along as you are led through the Ayurveda breathing technique of bhastrika pranayama or bellows breath.

Music by Fried Coffee.