Yoga in India

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Hatha Yoga

• Hathayoga Pradipike
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• Yogasana (Posture)
• Pranayama

Bhastrika Pranayama

In Sanskrit Bhastrika means bellows of Blacksmith. In Bhastrika Pranayama muscles of stomach act as bellows of Blacksmith. In this Pranayama Puraka(Inhalation) and Rechaka(exhalation) are of equal duration. It should be done with force and with little sound of breath.

Procedure:

Firmly sit in Padmasana or any comfirtable meditative posture. Making a little sound while inhaling and exhaling, contract and expand the muscles of stomach with force as done by bellows of blacksmith. After such 10 exhalations, slowly do Inhalation by both the nostrils. After inhalation do Kumbhaka and apply Jalandhara Bandha and Mulabandha immediately. Duration of Kumbhaka should be in the ratio of (1:4:2). After Kumbhaka is over slowly exhale from the left nostril. At the end of Rechaka do Uddiyana Bandha. This is one round of Bhastrika Pranayama.

Some Yoga experts advise to do Kumbhaka from Surya Nadi(right nostril) insted of both the nostrils, and do Rechaka from Chandra Nadi(left nostril) after Kumbhaka. Some advise to do Puraka from both the nostrils and do Rechaka from Surya Nadi(Right nostril) after Puraka.

After one round of Bhastrika Pranayama, do deep breathing for several times. Then start the second round. In the beginning do three rounds in the morning and three rounds in the evening. After considerable improvement in doing Bhastrika, gradually increase up to eight rounds. Doing more than this is dangerous and may lead to health hazards.

Variations of Bhastrika Pranayama:

• Vama Bhastrika
• Dakshina Bhastrika
• Sahita Bhastrika

Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama:

Bhastrika Pranayama is a very powerful Pranayama. All diseases related phlegm are cured by the regular practice of this Pranayama. This Pranayama should be done after getting considerable improvement in the practice of other Pranayamas such as Anuloma-Viloma, Nadishuddhi Kriya, Ujjayi Pranayama and Kaphalabhati. Concentration of mind is attained by the practice of Bhastrika. Idleness and laziness are cured by this Pranayama. Kundalini power is awakened by Bhastrika. This Pranayama can be done in all seasons.