Breathwork: Kapalbhati (80 Breaths Per Minute With Music)

Kapalbhati is a breathing technique that involves forceful exhalations and passive inhalations.

We breathe out like we're clearing our nasal passages.

It's often used for clearing the sinuses.

Kapalbhati can be stimulating and invigorating,

But it's not recommended for those who suffer from lower back issues,

Hernias,

High blood pressure,

Or headaches.

The diaphragm and the muscles of the abdomen push forcefully,

And the breath is exhaled with the help of that.

It's generally done early morning,

Preferably on an empty stomach.

Otherwise,

You can practice it three hours after eating.

It's recommended that you practice Kapalbhati before long hours of meditation to aid in concentration.

Kapalbhati provides a gentle stimulation of the sympathetic system,

Which increases cognitive functioning in such a way that it improves mental performance.

In this guided practice,

We'll start with 20 breaths,

With 12-second rest between sets,

And then we'll do three sets of 32 breaths.

Let's begin.

Rest.

Breathe normally.

Continue with 32 breaths.

Rest.

Breathe normally.

Continue with 32 breaths.

Continue with 32 breaths.

Continue with 32 breaths.

Continue with 32 breaths.

This is the end of the exercise.

You might want to follow up with subtler breathing practices,

Such as alternate nostril breathing,

Or taking a few deeper than usual breaths.