The Breath of Fire Breathwork Exercise

Instructor de Kundalini yoga practicando Pranayama

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Breathwork is sometimes associated with different forms of yoga. One of the common forms of yoga known as Kundalini yoga uses an exercise known as the Breath of Fire or the Kapalabhati breathwork as a part of the yoga practice. It is believed that when a person uses the Breath of Fire they are able to cleanse the body of harmful toxins that might have been built up in the body as well as energizing both the body and the mind.

The Breath of Fire breathwork is a breathwork exercise that involves very rapid, rhythmic breathing. It is often used by those that are looking to cleanse their system or to refocus or push away fatigue.

If you are curious about how to do the Breath of Fire breathwork exercise here is a step by step guide on how to perform this exercise.

Step 1. Place yourself in a sitting position. You can either sit on the floor or a chair whichever is most comfortable to you. Once sitting try to relax the body and focus the mind on the task at hand.

Step 2. As soon as your focus has been achieved place your hand on your stomach and begin by taking a deep breath. The breath should be taken through your nose and not the mouth. When you inhale you should feel the stomach pushing in an outward motion this is a sign you are doing it right.

Step 3. Release the breath by exhaling through your nose. Your stomach should move inward as you exhale.

Step 4. Immediately begin the process of inhaling/exhaling again. There should be a slight sniffing sound that you make when you inhale. To achieve the Breath of Fire breathwork you need to start immediately after exhaling.

Step 5. Repeat the inhaling and exhaling practice somewhere between 15 and 20 times. This should be enough to cleanse the body and reenergize yourself.