Amit Online Yoga Center

BHASTRIKA
(Sri Swami Chidananda)

Bhastrika means bellows. Rapid succession of forcible exhalations is a characteristic feature of the Pranayama.

TECHNIQUE

Sit in any of the postures. Rapid and deep expulsion and in take of breath through the nostrils should follow one another in quick succession. With each expulsion and inhalation of breath, contraction and expansion of abdomen should be there. Start with six, eight or ten expulsions of breath for one round, according to your capacity. The final expulsion in each round should be followed by deep inhalation and retention of breath as long as you feel comfortable.

Rest a while after one round of Bhastrika. Care should be taken that unnecessary pressure is not given on the lungs. Beginners may start with two or three rounds, each round consisting of six to ten expulsions, one expulsion per second. Gradually increase the number of the exhalations and inhalations to 20-30 per round, keeping the number of rounds to 2 or 3.

BENEFITS

Bhastrika relieves inflammation of the throat, in creases the gastric fire, destroys accumulation of phlegm, removes the diseases of the nose and chest and eradicates asthma, constipation, excess of wind and bile. It gives warmth to the body. The practitioner will keep good health.