Bhastrika Pranayama– Bhastrika means bellows in Sanskrit. Its operation is comparable to that of the blacksmith’s bellows.
The quick succession of powerful breath expulsions connects the Bhastrika Pranayama, or blacksmith bellows breathing.
Bhastrika Pranayama removes the impurities in the body much like a goldsmith’s bellows used to remove the impurities in gold.
The best time to practice this Pranayama is during the cold months. Its use results in the body having enough warmth and energy.

Kapal Bhati is Bhastrika’s sister, according to Pranayama. Only this distinguishes the two breathing techniques.
The Kapal Bhati breath must be exhaled out quickly and fully while requiring no effort to intake.
Only a small amount of air enters the body because it helps one maintain the energy needed to exhale suddenly and quickly.
In contrast, Bhastrika requires complete effort throughout both the inhalation and exhalation phases.
While the final round of Kapalbhati is followed by introducing the breath outside. The final round of Bhastrika is followed by introducing the breath inside.
Caution for Bhastrika
Please avoid practicing this Pranayama if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
Bhastrika Pranayama Steps
Take a Padmasan, Keep your head, neck, and body straight.
The palms should be on your knees. With the right fingers, now shut the left nostril. Completely inhale and exhale via the right nostril.
The final expulsion should be followed by a slow, deep inhalation after approximately 20 of these expulsions have been completed.
Depending on your capacity, stop breathing. Then three bands can cover Antrik Kumbhak for a while.

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Next, slowly exhale via your left nostril while staying calm.
Close the right nostril with the thumb, and begin breathing in and out through with the left nostril in the same way.
After the necessary amount of breaths, take a calm, deep inhalation via your left nostril.
Holding your breath while three bands execute Antrik Kumbhat to the fullest potential. Next, breathe out slowly via your right nostril with relaxing.
Bhastrika Pranayama Explained by Michael Bijker
Then, inhale through your right nostril and exhale through your left. Repeat with your left and right nostrils.
Now, with both hands on your knees, perform Bhastrika simultaneously with both nostrils. Last but not least, hold onto your breath for as long as you can.
Apply three bands of Antrik Kumbhak and slowly exhale through both nostrils. Make the breath normal.
Start each day with at least three rounds, then add more as you go.
Also Read :
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Bhastrika Pranayama Benefits
- This pranayam is used to treat a variety of illnesses that are brought on by an excess of phlegm, wind, and bile in the body.
- This Pranayam treats conditions including asthma, tuberculosis, coughing, liver dysfunction, burning in the chest, and gastrointestinal issues, among others.
- Bhastrika Pranayama treats indigestion and throat swelling.
- This breathing technique expedites both blood circulation and blood purification.
- It cleans the cerebral pulses that flow through the brain of all contaminants.
- As it permits the pran to burst through the three knots, it is the most advantageous breathing yoga for stimulating the prans.
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