Bhasthrika Pranayama ( The Bellows)

All yogasanas concentrate on breathing. Panayamas are exclusively meant for that. This asana reminds the bellows used by blacksmiths.

How to do?

Sit straight in any one of your convenient asanas. Relax the body, close the eyes. Exhale all remaining air in the lungs.

Now close one nostril with the finger (Use thumb, index finger and Ring finger as in Alternate Breath). Breathe (inhale and exhale) through the other one very quickly for 10-15 times. As you do this the stomach shrinks and swells alternatively. Now remove the finger and inhale deep through both nostrils and close the two nostrils. The air is now inside. Hold it as much as you can and exhale slowly. Now breathe normal for 3-4 times.

Repeat by closing the other nostril. With that one Pranayama is complete. Do it 4 times in the beginning. Increase the number gradually.

Benefits:- This pranayama removes all impurities out of lungs. It increases the air capacity of lungs and is very good for curing Asthma and Bronchitis. It removes all phlegm from the trachea (wind pipe) and bronchial tubes. Besides, it increases memory power as blood circulation becomes normalized. The natural appetite and taste of food also enhances.  

Tamanna Bhatia

Tamanna is a south Indian actress doing yoga regularly. That may be the reason for her blooming beauty.

Kapala Bhathi Pranayamam (Frontal Brain Bellowing)

                                                          Kapala Bhathi

How to do?

Sit in Padmasana or Siddhasana. Keep the body straight at 90 degrees. Hold the hands stretched with palms covering the knees. Exhale all air from the lungs. Now inhale and exhale quickly. Exhale forcefully. Do not care the inhaling process. Air will automatically enter the lungs. Do it 30-40 times as per the strength of your lungs. Now one round is complete. Breathe deep two-three times and start second round. Explained here is the simplest form of Kapala Bhathi Pranayamam.

Benefits:-‘Kapalam’ means head. ‘Bhathi’ means shining. The frontal portion of the brain gets more oxygen and it will become more vital and the memory power naturally increases. It removes all impurities from the lungs and the whole body. Besides, it can control blood sugar level and B.P.

This pranayama is best for cholesterol control, and a solution for gastric ulcer. Eventually removes frequent nose block found in some people.

The Cleansing Breath

                                        Cleansing Breath Initial

This Pranayama is a process that cleans up the entire Lungs.

How to do?

Sit straight and relaxed in any one asana. Extend the two hands and keep the palms inverted on either knee. Keep the eyes opened.

Inhale deep so that the lungs get filled with air. Keep the lips pointed and make a small aperture in between the lips. Through this hole forcefully blow out a little air. At this time, care may be taken that the air does not enter in through the nose or mouth.  The air should be let out in very little quantities through the aperture of lips with force.

As you let out the air, bend the body slowly forward till the forehead touches the mat. By the time the forehead touches the mat the air will be completely blown out. This will take almost 10 to 12 blow outs. Now sit straight. One course is complete.

Benefits:-

While you do this Pranayama, the whole body tremors. As the name implies the lung will be totally cleaned up. The Lung capacity increases to the maximum. In addition it stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous System. Increases the vitality of the body and promotes self- healing. The mind becomes calm and strong.

Caution:- Do not do Pranayamas while you have cold and fever till it is fully cured