Kapalabhati
Skull-shining breath. Sharp forceful exhales with passive inhales. Cleansing and energising.
Important: Avoid if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, or during pregnancy.
How to practise
- Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with spine tall and hands on knees.
- Take one full deep breath to settle.
- Forcefully exhale through the nose by quickly drawing the abdomen below the navel inward.
- Let the inhalation happen passively — the belly relaxes on its own and air flows in naturally.
- Repeat the sharp exhale and passive inhale in a steady rhythm.
- After the round, take a deep inhale, hold briefly, then exhale slowly.
Suitable postures
- Comfortable cross-legged position on the floor
- Seated on a chair with back straight
Progression — levels
- Level 1 · 15 pumps · rest
- Level 2 · 25 pumps · deep close
- Level 3 · 40 pumps · longer close
- Level 4 · 60 pumps · extended close
When to practise: Best done on an empty stomach — at least 2 hours after a meal. Early morning is ideal.
Get guidance from a practitioner
Breathwork is most powerful when it fits your body, your state, and your goals. For a personalised programme, book a session with Dev Bastola, Counselling Psychologist at Anandoham Health.