Kapālabhāti

Classical description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.35) includes it among the ṣaṭkarmas (six purificatory actions):

“Perform rapid expulsions of air like the bellows of a blacksmith. This is called Kapālabhāti, it destroys the disorders of kapha.”

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā (1.55-60) describes it with three variants: vātakrama, vyutkrama and śītkrama, the first being the most practiced as prāṇāyāma.

Technique (Vātakrama)

1. Sit in meditative posture with the spine erect
2. Hands in jñāna mudrā on the knees
3. Inhale passively, allowing the abdomen to expand
4. Exhale forcefully by rapidly contracting the abdomen
5. Inhalation happens automatically when relaxing the abdomen
6. Keep the chest, shoulders and face relaxed
7. Only the abdomen moves actively
8. Begin with 30 expulsions, rest, repeat 3 rounds
9. Gradually increase to 60-120 expulsions per round

Rhythm: 1-2 expulsions per second. The exhalation is active and rapid; the inhalation is passive and slow.

Effects according to the texts

The HYP specifies (2.35):

• Kapha-doṣa-ghna — destroys the disorders of kapha

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā adds:

• Kapāla-śodhana — purifies the skull and frontal sinuses

Traditional effects:

• Clears the respiratory passages and nasal sinuses
• Increases digestive fire (agni)
• Activates and energizes the entire system
• Prepares for meditation by clearing the mind
• Strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Oxygenates the blood and eliminates residual CO₂

Notes

Although classified as ṣaṭkarma (purification), Kapālabhāti is widely used as a preparatory prāṇāyāma. Kapāla means skull and bhāti means to shine or radiate — the name alludes to the mental clarity it produces. Contraindications: hypertension, heart problems, pregnancy, menstruation, abdominal hernias, vertigo. Practice on an empty stomach. Differentiate from Bhastrikā: in Kapālabhāti only the exhalation is active, in Bhastrikā both are forced.