Bhastrika (The Bellows Breath)

In Sanskrit, Bhastrika means ‘bellows’. This exercise is characterized by continual exhalation of breath, producing a sound similar to a blacksmith’s bellows. It is a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi, Bhastrika is the most beneficial of all the Kumbhakas.

Procedure for Bhastrika (The Bellows Breath):

• Sit in the position of Padmasana or Siddhasana.
• Keep the body, the neck and the head erect.
• Place the hands on the knees or on the laps.
• Close the mouth.
• Breathe fast and vigorously and exhale fast and forcefully like bellows.
• Repeat this in quick successive jerks five to ten times.
• Similarly, contract and expand the lungs.
• While practicing this Pranayama, there will be a sound resembling are rushing through the bellows.
• An aspirant should inhale and exhale continually and quickly.
• When one cycle of inhalation and exhalation is completed, the aspirant should take a deep breath and hold it for as much time as possible without reaching the point of exhaustion.
• Then exhale.
• This is one cycle of Bhastrika.
• Then breath in a normal way for some time and rest for a while.
• This will give some relief and prepare the aspirant for fresh cycles of Bhastrika. Practice two or three cycles in the evening.
• Busy persons, if unable to practice three cycles, should practice one cycle only. Even one cycle is enough for perfect health.
• In winter, Bhastrika may be practiced in the morning and in the evening, but in summer it should be practiced only in the coolness of the morning.

Advantages of Bhastrika (The Bellows Breath):

• Bhastrika reduces the swelling in the throat. It kindles gastric fine and removes cough. It cures chest-ailments, asthma and tuberculosis.
• Bhastrika cures all the diseases caused by phlegm, windiness and bile (Vata, Pitta and Kafa).
• Bhastrika unlocks the mouth of the Sushumna nadi.
• It gives temporary warmth to the body.

Therapeutics:

• Cough
• Asthma
• Respiratory disorders
• Tuberculosis
• Abdominal disorders
• Throat & chest infection