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insufficient toning and control of these muscles. Further preparation and consolidation of this technique are necessary before proceeding. Practise abdominal breathing as detailed in Chapters 15 and 16: 'Basic Breathing Methods' and 'Preliminary Breathing Practices', before continuing with bhastrika. One should be able to perform the basic method with ease before proceeding to the other techniques.
If bhastrika is practised during the hot season, do 5-10 rounds of sheetali or sheetkari pranayama afterwards to cool the body.
Awareness: Physical on the breathing process and the physical movement of the abdomen. Spiritual - on manipura chakra.
Precautions: Bhastrika is a dynamic practice, requiring a large expenditure of physical energy, and must be practised in a relaxed manner. Avoid violent respiration, facial contortions and excessive shaking of the body. A feeling of faintness, excessive perspiration or vomiting indicates that the practice is unsuitable or is being performed incorrectly. If any of these symptoms are experienced, the advice of a competent teacher should be sought.
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This practice purifies the blood. However, if the stages are rushed, all the impurities will be ejected from the body in a rush, which may exacerbate conditions caused by detoxification. A slow, conscientious approach to this practice is absolutely imperative. Bhastrika is full, rapid breathing. Hypoventilation can occur if the air is not fully expelled from the lungs on each exhalation. This is another indication that the technique is not being performed correctly. Contra-indications: Bhastrika should not be practised by people with high blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, gastric ulcer, stroke, epilepsy, retinal problems, glaucoma or vertigo. The elderly, those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, those recovering from tuberculosis, or in the first trimester of pregnancy
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