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Kapalbhati further reverses the natural process by compressing the lungs below basal resting volume, whereas normal breathing expands and contracts the lungs, using an active process on inhalation and a passive process on exhalation. The brain centres which control normal breathing function are trained to become more versatile through the practice of these techniques.
From the point of view of the pancha pranas, the role of prana (the active inhalation) and apana (the passive exhalation) are reversed, reducing samana, which on the mental level means a reduction in the activity of vrittis, or mental oscillations. This can be experienced during kapalbhati. At the same time the powerful upward flow created by the whole breathing attitude stimulates udana in the head and neck, which is in keeping with the meaning of the term 'kapalbhati'.
There are five techniques; each should be practised progressively until it can be performed without effort, before proceeding to the next.
Technique 1: preparatory practice (shatkarma method)
Sit in a comfortable meditation asana. The head and spine should be straight with the hands resting on the knees in either chin orjnana mudra. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Exhale through both nostrils with forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles. The following inhalation should take place passively, allowing the abdominal muscles to relax. Inhalation should be spontaneous recoil, involving no effort. Complete 10 rapid breaths in succession. Inhale and exhale deeply. Allow the breath to return to normal. This is one round. Practise up to 5 rounds.
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