Bhastrika Pranayama
- CIHW
- Aug 28, 2021
- 3 min read
In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic, we are coming forth with a series of articles focusing on yogic breathing techniques, also known as Pranayama, that would be helpful in fortifying the body to cope up with the infection. Yoga and Pranayama have been highly recommended in maintaining good health and immunity not only by ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda but also by modern scientific research studies as well. This article is on Bhastrika pranayama or Bellow breathing and we hope it helps the reader to get acquainted with the technique, benefits, and practice of the pranayama.
Bhastrika pranayama
The word 'Bhastrika' means bellows in Sanskrit. Bellow is a balloon-like instrument that is used by blacksmiths to blow air on the hot iron. The rapid exhalation and inhalation of air in a rhythmical manner just as it happens in a bellow is called the Bhastrika pranayama.
When we do any kind of exercise there will be an increase in demand for oxygen in our body to perform the physical activity. In order to meet this demand, the heart has to pump at a faster rate. But during the Bhastrika pranayama, we will be pumping in more oxygen to the cells without the body asking for it, which implies that we would not only receive more oxygen and but also be taking out more toxins from the body.
The benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama from an Ayurvedic perspective
According to Ayurveda, the balance between the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha in our body contributes to our overall health that includes both physiological and psychological health. Each of these doshas is a distinct combination of two of the five fundamental elements found in Nature namely ether, air, fire, water, and earth. The three doshas govern the various physiological and psychological functions of the body and have subtypes in them as well.
Prana Vata is one of the five types of Vata (air-ether principle) in the body. It has its abode in the head and circulates in the throat and chest area. These areas are susceptible to blockage caused by the derangement or imbalance in the three doshas. Bhastrika pranayama immensely helps in the removal of these blockages and thus protects us from various ailments of the respiratory system like sinusitis, headache, throat pain, tonsillitis, cough, chest congestion, bronchitis, and asthma.
Also, the forceful breathing in Bhastrika invigorates a lot of energy in the body. It stimulates the digestive fire. It activates the liver and other abdominal organs like the spleen and the pancreas, thus helpful in people with diabetes. It also tones up the abdominal muscles and effectively helps in reducing cholesterol levels.
Psychological implications
The main functions of Vata dosha from a psychological perspective are to give us the ability to grasp knowledge correctly (also known as the Buddhi), the ability to control or regulate the mind, the clarity in speech and in sensory perception. In fact, all the neurological activities of the body can be attributed to the functioning of the Vata dosha.
Now Bhastrika pranayama helps to clear the blockages in the movement of Vata dosha in the body, thereby normalizing the functioning of all the neurological activities of the body and it keeps the body, mind, and hormonal functioning in balance.
In general, Bhastrika pranayama helps in improving alertness and concentration. Research studies show that slow-paced Bhastrika pranayama has a strong tendency in improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system. It can be very beneficial for those who are suffering from depression and other physiological problems if done under the guidance of a qualified yoga practitioner.
When should we avoid
While Bhastrika pranayama is very beneficial to health, it is not recommended in the following cases:
For people with high blood pressure, hernia, ulcers, retinal detachment, glaucoma, vertigo, and epilepsy.
For people with any kind of bleeding disorders.
For people who have recently undergone surgeries or had a stroke.
It is to be avoided also during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
People with heart problems and long-standing bronchitis or asthma can practice under the guidance of an expert.
Practise of Bhastrika Pranayama:
To learn the actual practice please watch the video here
We will meet you soon with our next article on Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing.
References:
Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
Pranayama Deepika - BKS Iyengar
Ashtanga Hridaya - Vagbhata
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