Bhastrika Pranayama Benefits and how to do it

Yoga has been considered a great option for maintaining health since ancient times. And this is the reason that even today science believes in the power of this amazing ability of yoga. Many types of research have been done related to yoga, in which it has been proved that various asanas of yoga can get rid of many diseases. And one of these processes involved in yoga is Bhastrika Pranayama. In this article, we will tell the benefits of it and how to do it. Just keep in mind that Bhastrika Pranayama Yoga will be beneficial only when a balanced diet and routine are followed along with it.

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What is Bhastrika Pranayama?

Bhastrika Pranayama Yoga is made up of two Sanskrit words. The first word is Bhastrika. Means a tool by which a blacksmith intensifies the flame of coal. Pranayama means expanding the air of life. According to its name, in this process of yoga, the breath is exhaled rapidly like a bellows to expand the prana Vayu i.e. breath. Simultaneously, the breath is taken inward with the same speed.

This process of yoga proves to be helpful in increasing the level of oxygen in the body. Apart from this, a healthy respiratory system has been considered as the basis of life, hence the Bhastrika Pranayama yoga process can also prove helpful in relieving many health-related disorders. 

Benefits of doing Bhastrika Pranayama

Bhastrika Pranayama is known for its benefits. It can benefit both the body and the mind of a person. Its advantages include:

1. Three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)

The benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama can be seen in relieving the three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these three are balanced, a person remains safe from diseases. For this, the help of Bhastrika Pranayama can be taken, as it can balance all three doshas.

2. Control blood pressure

The benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama also include controlling blood pressure. This is also confirmed by research published by the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Research has said that if Bhastrika Pranayama yoga is practiced with a slow breathing rate, then its positive effect is visible on blood pressure. This can help to control both the systolic (upper number) and dyslectic (bottom number).

3. Beneficial for the Heart

Bhastrika Pranayama Yoga can work to improve the heart. The breathing activity during this yoga can help the heart to work optimally. This information is also present in the research published on the website of NCBI. In such a situation, it would not be wrong to say that Bhastrika Pranayama can also have benefits in controlling our increased heart rate. 

4. Aids in Weight Loss

Bhastrika Pranayama Yoga also helps in reducing weight. According to scientific research, regular practice can help in burning fat. And this yoga can help in reducing obesity. On this basis, it can be said that the benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama can be helpful in reducing weight and fat.

5. Reduce stress

Bhastrika Pranayama can be of great benefit even in stressful situations. It is also known to improve anxiety and mood. In such a situation, those who are suffering from stress can also do it to get relief from it.

Which asana should be done before doing Bhastrika Pranayama

Bhastrika Pranayama is recommended to be done at the end, so beginners can do the yoga mentioned below before doing it.

• Surya Namaskar
• Vrikshasana
• Boating
• Vajrasana

Method of doing Bhastrika Pranayama

Bhastrika Pranayama is an easy yoga, which can be done with the help of the right instructor. The method of doing it can be understood in detail through the following points.

• Sit in the posture of Padmasana by laying on a yoga mat.
• During this, the neck, spine, and head should be absolutely straight.
• And now to make sure that the mouth does not open at all while practicing, take a deep breath through both the nostrils.
• Keep in mind that while breathing in, the lungs should be completely inflated.
• After this, now the filled breath has to be released through both the nostrils in one stroke.
• And keep in mind that the speed of exhalation should be so fast that the lungs contract with a jerk.
• One cycle of Bhastrika Pranayama is completed from inhalation to exhalation.
• In the beginning, do this process slowly and complete about 8 to 10 cycles.
• After getting used to it, you can increase its cycle and the speed of completing the cycles based on your ability.
• While concluding this yoga posture, keep in mind that this practice should be stopped gradually while reducing the speed of completing the cycle.

Precautions while doing Bhastrika Pranayama 

While practicing Bhastrika Pranayama yoga, special care should be taken of the following things.

• Before starting pranayama, clean the nose thoroughly.
• In the initial period, Bhastrika Pranayama yoga should always be practiced at a slow pace.
• Do this on an empty stomach only, so it would be better to do this yoga in the morning only.
• This yoga should be done in a quiet place because the mind has to be kept calm during yoga.