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especially useful for beginners and those using bhastrika for therapeutic purposes, although it may also be practised at all stages. Medium bhastrika increases the speed of respiration to approximately one breath every second. Fast bhastrika means a breathing speed of around two breaths per second. Both medium and fast breathing are suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners. The abdominal muscles will become stronger with regular practice. As they do so, the number of respirations may be increased by 5 per month from the initial count of 10 to a maximum count of 40 to 50 respirations through the left,
the right and both nostrils. Duration: Up to 5 rounds. Slowly increase the duration of
retention up to 30 seconds after breathing through the
left, the right and both nostrils. Do not strain. Awareness: Physical - on the breathing process, the physical
movement of the abdomen and mental counting.
Spiritual - on manipura chakra. Precautions: A feeling of faintness, excessive perspiration or a
vomiting sensation indicates that the practice is being performed incorrectly. Avoid violent respiration, facial contortions and excessive shaking of the body. If any of these symptoms are experienced, the advice of a yoga teacher should be sought. This practice is ideal for purifying the blood and eradicating a bad complexion. However, if the stages are rushed, all the impurities will be ejected from the body in a rush which may exacerbate the condition. A slow, conscientious approach to this practice is, therefore, recommended. Bhastrika is a dynamic practice requiring a large expenditure of physical energy. Beginners are advised to take a
short rest after each round. Contra-indications: Bhastrika should not be practised by people
who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, gastric ulcer, stroke, epilepsy or vertigo. Those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis,
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