What’s your typical start to the day?
Is it to wake up sleepily out of bed, dragging yourself into the kitchen to brew a pot of that delicious caffeine-fuel we all love and rely on quite desperately?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
It’s estimated that, in the US, over 400 million cups of coffee are poured and bought every single day, just in the US!
However, there may be a pranayama exercise which allows you to focus on your breathing that’s far more beneficial and stimulating to your mind and body in the mornings.
While the following breathing exercise has a lovely calming effect, this is a great way to rid yourself of those lingering sleepy feelings.
Ready to rise and shine?
Kapalabhati
This is what the technique is known as. Typically, this isn’t taught in Western world practices but is a regular form of practice in countries such as India. The primary purpose of this practice is to cleanse and clear.
Through deep and forceful exhalations, you can clear your nasal passages, as well as your sinuses. Since you’ll be ridding yourself of phlegm, this is also known as a purification practice. The word ‘Kapalabhati’ originates from Sanskrit and can be translated in two parts.
Firstly, Kapal, refers to your forehead, or the front of your brain, whereas Bhati simply translates to ‘shining’. In English, the entire term is referred to as ‘shining skull breath’.
The Technique
Simply find a comfortable position, preferably sitting, but you can be standing. Then inhale and exhale through your nose forcefully, both nostrils at a time, unlike other pranayama techniques.
While pranayama breathing exercises are super exaggerated the inhale and exhale are of equal length, this is different. With Kapalabhati breathing, the inhales are generally shorter while the exhales are longer.
In most cases, the inhale should be the same as when you’re breathing normally, but the outbreath is short, direct and precise. You need the exhale to be as strong as possible.
(If you’ve got a cold or flu, it might be worth keeping some tissues to hand while you do this).
While this actually reverses the natural breathing process that we’re all used to, it’s extremely beneficial. If you’re new to the practice, this will also require a bit of training and getting used to. However, once you get the hang of it, you shouldn’t have any problems with performing it at any time of the day.
The Benefits
As soon as you get the technique right for the first time, you’ll instantly notice the benefits that it provides for your body. It then goes without saying that this is a cleansing practice.
In addition to being able to clear your nasal passages and sinuses almost instantly, this type of breathing can also help to stimulate your digestive functions. You’ll also notice the incredible amount of energy that your body has, waving goodbye to any sleepy feelings you had beforehand.
Give it a go yourself and let us know what you think using the comment section below!
