Bhastrika Pranayam is a yoga posture that takes care of the internal condition of the body and the mind. It is a rejuvenating exercise, which relaxes mind, body and soul.<br /><br />Meaning :<br /><br />Bhastrika means to bellow, prana means vital force, and ayama means to stretch. So Bhastrika Pranayam means to stretch the vital force and energy within with a bellow.<br /><br />Significance :<br /><br />The yoga pose mainly is done in the meditation posture and is concentrated on the Manipura chakra. There is a rule that if you are doing this yogasana then you should have practised the four levels of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayam before this for at least around four months.<br /><br />Technique :<br /><br /> Keep the body still and feel the breath flowing in and out.<br /> Now lift the hand, close the right nostril with the thumb, and breathe in air.<br /> Now breather out air in continuous succession around twenty times through the left nostril.<br /> At this time, the walls of the abdomen move in and out and produce a bellowing sound.<br /> Continue this with the right nostril.<br /> Relax for some time and breathe normally.<br /> Now again begin the left nostril and the right nostril round.<br /> Alternate between both the nostrils and continue the routine.<br /><br />Benefits :<br /><br /> Aids in keeping the body and the mind fresh.<br /> It is a rejuvenating experience for the doer and improves concentration and memory.<br /> It stimulates overall circulation.<br /> There is an increase supply of blood to the head and this increase hearing and eyesight.<br /> The capacity of the lungs becomes stronger and thus all ailments related to lungs like bronchitis, asthma are easily controlled.<br /> Metabolism improves thus improving the Digestive System.<br /><br />Bhastrika Pranayam should be practised in a limited manner initially and is a proven good yoga form for asthma. After practising well, it could be done for as much number of times as is possible.
