Among the many breathing practices found in yoga, most emphasize muscular control in inhalation, not exhalation. A unique breathing exercise called kapalabhati reverses this familiar pattern. In kapalabhati the exhalation is active, with inhalation playing a passive role. Kapalabhati treats the yoga practitioner to a topsy-turvy view of breathing—a focus that is initially energizing, rather than calming; cleansing and heating, rather than cooling.

“Kapalabhati” is a compound word. “Kapala” means “skull”; “bhati” means “to shine or to be lustrous.” This practice is said to “make the skull shine” by cleansing the nasal passageways and sinuses, and ultimately supplying the brain with a fresh supply of oxygen-rich blood. It also cleanses the throat and lungs and stimulates the abdominal muscles and organs. Continue reading →