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sushumna passage, making way for the kundalini shakti to flow upwards freely. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika says (2:66-67):
कुंडली बोधकं क्षिप्रं पवनं सुखदं हितम् ।
ब्रह्मनाडीमुखे संस्थकफाद्यर्गलनाशनम् ॥ This (bhastrika) quickly arouses kundalini. It is pleasant and beneficial, and removes obstruction due to excess mucus accumulated at the entrance to brahma nadi.
सम्यग्गात्रसमुद्भूतग्रंथित्रयविभेदकम् ।
विशेषेणैव कर्तव्यं भस्त्राख्यं कुंभकंत्विदम् ॥ This kumbhaka called bhastrika enables the three granthis (psychic/pranic knots) to be broken. Thus, it is the duty of the yogi to practise bhastrika.
Kapalbhati Pranayama (frontal brain cleansing breath) The Sanskrit word kapal means 'cranium' or 'forehead' and bhati means 'light' or 'splendour' and also perception' or 'knowledge'. Hence kapalbhati is the practice that brings a state of light or clarity to the frontal region of the brain. This pranayama invigorates the entire brain and the centres responsible for subtle perception and insight. It is also a cleansing practice and is therefore listed among the shatkarmas. Another term for this practice is kapalshodhana, the word shodhana meaning 'to purify'.
Although kapalbhati is similar to bhastrika, there are important differences. In bhastrika the breathing rate increases with practice; while in kapalbhati the speed becomes slower and slower. As one progresses in bhastrika, the breath gets faster and shorter; whereas in kapalbhati the breath is faster in the beginning, but with practice becomes slower and longer.
Bhastrika uses equal force in both inhalation and exhalation, expanding and contracting the thoracic area above and below its resting or basal volume. Kapalbhati, however, uses
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