Kapálbháti Kumbhaka (Frontal Brain Cleanse)

Kapal means forehead, and bhati means light, splendor, or knowledge. Thus, this form of práòáyám invigorates the whole brain, awakening the dormant centers of subtle perception. Breathing should be like the pumping of a bellows. The exercise compresses the brain (slightly) and the fluid around it during inhalation. The brain and cerebrospinal fluid are decompressed during exhalation. Thus, the brain is massaged.

Method:

A) Sit comfortably and erect in Siddhásan/Siddha Yoni Ásana; close the eyes and relax. Place hands in the Jñyán or Chin Mudrá.

B) Inhale deeply, then do 50 fast (shorter) inhale/exhales, with more emphasis on the exhalation and shorter inhales. Chin lock may be employed.

C) After the last exhalation, inhale deeply through the nose and exhale quickly through pursed lips.

D) Release the chin lock, raise the head slowly, and inhale slowly through the nose (1 round).

E) Practice 2 more rounds.

F) End by closing eyes and concentrating on the space between the eyebrows.

Precaution: Do not practice with bad lungs, eyes, ears, or high/low blood pressure. If dizziness or nosebleeds are experienced, breathing is too forceful. Stop and sit quietly until dizziness disappears, then try again less forcefully. If the nose bleeds, stop the practice for a few days.

Benefits: This method expels carbon dioxide and other waste gases from the cells and lungs; sinuses are drained, eyes are cooled. It invigorates the liver, spleen, pancreas, and abdominal muscles (thereby improving digestion); it also gives a sense of total exhilaration. This kumbhaka reverses the aging process, relaxes facial muscles and nerves, rejuvenates tired cells and nerves, and keeps the face young, shining and free from wrinkles.

Alternative Follow the same process, only breathe in one nostril, out the other, then in the latter and out the first.

Doshas: All