BHASTRIKA

If the required number of expulsions, for example ten is a round, completed the final expulsion follows a deep inspiration. The breath is suspended as long as it could be done with comfort. Then the deepest exhalation completes a round of Bhastrika. Stay some time, once part is over, taking a few normal breaths. This will facilitate and prepare you for the second round.

When the required number of expulsions, say ten for a round, is finished, the final expulsion is followed by a deepest possible inhalation. The breath is terminated as long as it is possible with comfort. Then the deepest possible exhalation completes a round of Bhastrika. Rest a while, once one round is over by taking a few normal breaths. This will give you relief and make you fit for the second round.

Do three rounds daily in the morning. You can do another three rounds in the evening as well. Busy people who find it difficult to do three rounds of Bhastrika can do one round at least. It will make them stay fit.

Bhastrika is a powerful exercise. A combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi made Bhastrika leave. Practise Kapalabhati and Ujjayi to start with. Then you will find it easy to do Bhastrika. Some extend the exercise until they are tired. You will sweat profusely. If you feel a kind of dizziness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue practicing after the giddiness has vanished. And Bhastrika can be done both in the morning and evening in winter. In summer, it is supposed to be done during cool hours of morning.

      Bhastrika triggers inflammation of the throat, increases gastric fire, destroys mucus, suppresses nose and chest disease and removes asthma, congestion, etc.

It gives good appetite. It breaks the three granthis or knots, Brahma Granthi, Vishnu and Rudra Granthi Granthi. It destroys phlegm which is the bolt or obstacle to the door at the mouth of Brahma Nadi (Sushumna). It makes one aware about Kundalini. It helps you get relieved from diseases which arise from excess of wind, bile and phlegm. It gives warmth to the body.

If you do not have enough warm clothes in a cold area, in order to protect yourself  from the cold, practice this pranayama and you get enough heat in the body quickly. It purifies the Nadis considerably. This is the most beneficial of all Kumbhakas. Bhastrika Kumbhaka should be especially practiced as it enables the Prana to break through the three Granthis or knots that are firmly located in the Sushumna. It awakens the Kundalini quickly. The practitioner will never suffer from any disease.

The number of blends or rounds is determined by the strength and capacity of the performer. You must not go to extremes. Some students do six rounds while others go to twelve as well. You can practice Bhastrika in the following manner. There is a slight change in the end. Having inhaled and exhaled quickly twenty times, inhale through the right nostril, You hold your breath as long as you can make it convenient and then exhale through the left nostril through the left nostril, retain the breath as before and then exhale through the right nostril. Repeat OM mentally with Bhava and meaning throughout the practice.

There are different of types of Bhastrika, and one or both the nostril is used for all the purposes of inhalation and exhalation. People who wish to do Bhastrika for a long time intensely should live on Kichadi and take an enema or do Bhasti in the morning before starting the practice.

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