Bhastrika

INTRODUCTION AND PROCEDURE :

1. In Sanskrit, Bhastrika means the ‘bellows’. Just as the blacksmith blows his bellows to create heat and purify iron.
2. This practice of breathing helps in purifying the mind, clear pranic blockages and energizes the body.
3. In this practice rapid inhalation as well as exhalation is actively done.
4. This practice can be performed in a sitting position of any steady asana like Padmasana, Siddhasana and Vajrasana.
5. The body should be in an upright position and inhalation and exhalation is to be done in a rapid flow through the nostrils.
6. In this process a hissing sound is released. It is said that at the end of the last exhalation, one should breathe in through the right nostril and hold the breath. Then release the breath through the left nostril.
7. During rapid force of exhalation, the thoracic region is compressed, pushing the blood towards the head. During the inhalation, the reverse occurs.
8. While practising, the increase in blood flow causes a slight rise in body temperature with mild sweating which low down the temperature and keeps the body at normal temperature.
9. Bhastrika practice can be considered as a combination of Kapalbhati and Ujjayi pranayama.
10. Those who take up prolonged practice of Bhastrika, one should have only bland and light meals in morning and night, and one can take normal lunch.

BENEFITS :

1. Bhastrika pranayama helps in increasing the oxygen content in the blood. Extra oxygen replenishes the entire body.
2. It removes blockages in the nose and chest.
3. It is also beneficial for asthma patients.
4. It also helps in removing inflammation of the throat.
5. It not only improves appetite, also increases the gastric fire and improves appetite.
6. This practice is good to generate heat in the body and keep it warm in cold weather.
7. It also helps in activating all the organs.
8. Bhastrika purifies the nadis or the energy (pranic) channels in the body, ensuring free flow of prana to all the organs in the body.
9. This pranayama helps in destroying all three Doshas mentioned in Ayurveda- Vata (wind), Pitta (Bile)and Kapha(Phlegm) and maintains a balance among these.
10. This is the process that increases the blood flow to every part of the body, increasing the vitality of all the organs and tissues.
11. It helps to increase the circulation of blood in the entire body.
12. Long term practice of Bhastrika purifies the body and awakens the inherent higher powers.

PRECAUTIONS :

1. While practicing Bhastrika, one should be cautious that the procedure should be in a righteous method, so that there should be no complications.
2. Hypertension, heart or lung, hernia patients should avoid this practice.
3. People suffering from some illness or low stamina should avoid doing this pranayama very often.
4. Do not practice this pranyama in pregnancy and lactating period.
5. Likewise Kapalbhati, the one who is suffering from heart diseases should not do this pranayama.
6. Better to avoid it when one has a severe block of the nose. Also a person suffering from acute asthma and fever or recent surgery should not practice.

MEDITATIONAL POINT :

1. Focus on Ajna chakra for complete concentration and this pranayama helps in activating Manipura chakra, though all pranyama helps in activating all chakras.