BHASTRIKA
BELLOW BREATH

“The word Bhastrika means ‘Bellow’ and in this Pranayam both inhalation & exhalation are vigorous, aggressive, powerful, audible & forceful with the movement of thoracic and abdominal muscles with full expansion & contraction of Lungs.”

The most powerful of all Pranayam which means “Bellows of a Black Smith”. It is characterized by strong, aggressive, active, audible, prolonged and powerful series of inhalation and exhalation through the nostrils using all the muscles of the respiratory system, with full expansion & contraction of the lungs. It is a heating Pranayam and best for nervous and circulatory system, increases the lung capacity and focusing ability of the mind.

Benefits

Body
Reduces the swelling in the throat.
Kindles the gastric fire and gives temporary warmth to the body.
Clears the respiratory passages from the accumulation of phlegm.
Cures chest ailment, asthma and tuberculosis.
The spinal region & brain, the roots of the nerves receive large quantities of fresh blood supply.
An expectorant and also helps in mobility of fat particularly around abdomen.
Makes the body light & warm.

Mind
Helps in preparing the mind & body for deep meditation.
Helps in increasing the individual’s capacity to hold the breath (Kumbhaka).

Pranic or Mystic
Most effective to raise the Kundalini by opening up the blockage of the central channel i.e. sushmana.
Helps in opening up the knots or granthi - Brahma, Vishnu & rudra granthi.
Free flow of prana in the lungs and abdomen.

To read more about the Procedure, Duration, Contradictions read the book " Yoga Ancient Heritage Tomorrow's Vision by Dr. Indu Arora