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Contra-indications: This practice should be done on an empty
stomach or at least four hours after eating. It should not be attempted by people suffering from stomach or intestinal ulcers, hernia, heart disease, high blood pressure,
overactive thyroid gland or chronic diarrhoea. Benefits: It improves digestion, tones the visceral organs,
muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Fatty tissue on the abdomen is reduced and the lungs emptied of stale air. It helps relieve flatulence, constipation, poor digestion and loss of appetite.
Technique 2: with jalandhara and moola bandhas
Practise the basic method but after the last exhalation, close the mouth, inhale deeply through the nose, retain the breath and perform jalandhara and moola bandhas. Hold the breath for as long as is comfortable, release moola and jalandhara bandhas and exhale through the nose. Take a few normal breaths before continuing with the next round. Practise 5 rounds.
Bhastrika Pranayama (bellows breath) Bhastra are the bellows used to pump fire. The practice is so called because the diaphragm movement here imitates a pair of bellows and fans the internal fire, creating physical, pranic and psychic heat.
Posture: The rapid breathing performed in this practice requires a steady asana. Padmasana and siddhasana or siddha
is they lock the body into a stable position and allow freedom of abdominal movement. Other sitting postures may be used if the above are not possible.
Preparation: Both nostrils must be clear and flowing freely. Mucus blockages can be removed by neti. If the swara is greatly imbalanced, then one of the balancing methods may be used prior to the practice. Beginners should be familiar with abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing before starting. Proficiency in antar and bahir kumbhaka, as well as jalandhara,
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