Everyday Breath Work: Breath Of Fire (Kapalbhati)

In this Everyday practice for every day people, I guide you using layman's terms through a common breathing exercise. This practice is known as kapalabhati breathing, or breath of fire. This breathwork technique focuses on sharp, powerful exhales and passive inhales, breathing in and out of the nose. It can be helpful to imagine the abdomen as a pump; as your naval comes in towards your spine, air is pushed out through your nose. Naturally, passively, air is drawn back.

Here we are doing three sets of breathing, holding at the end of each set for ten seconds on empty lungs and then for twenty seconds with full lungs, with a break between sets. We’ll end with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. This breathing exercise is suitable for beginners. If at any point you do not feel comfortable, feel free to adjust the exercise to your needs. Always listen to your body.