26. Blowing in Firm
Kapalbhati in Vajrasana
Put every last bit of energy into the final breathing exercise to get maximum benefits from 90 minutes of stretching, compressing and opening the body. Kapalbhati breathing gives the body a serious cleanse, by exhaling every last bit of carbon dioxide left in the lungs.
Two key things to remember with this breathing exercise – we inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth, and the belly is the only thing moving throughout.
Set up in a kneeling position with a straight spine, hands resting on the knees and the belly relaxed. A relaxed stomach is vital when starting this breathing exercise.
Inhale through the nose to begin and exhale through the mouth, as if you were blowing out a candle. Draw the stomach in firmly as you exhale. Let it release during the next inhalation and immediately contract it again during the next exhalation.
Don’t worry if coordination is tricky at first – focus on the exhalation and allow the inhalations to happen automatically. It may feel strange to contract the stomach on an exhalation, but think of using the abdominal muscles to push every last drop of air out of the lungs.
Remember the stomach is the only thing moving – no bouncing with shoulders, arms, or lower back is required.
Repeat this 60 times, taking one count for each exhalation without speeding up.
In the second set, we pick up the pace.
Benefits
- Forces every last bit of carbon dioxide out of the lungs, making room for fresh oxygen
- Strengthens and improves the elasticity of the lungs
- Improves circulation, especially to the abdominal organs
- Strengthens the abdominal muscles and trims the waistline
Don’t Cheat
