#hkyogachallenge Day 5 - #kapalabhati or #skullshiningbreathing. Although it may be considered a #pranayama (yogic breathing), it is actually one of the #shatkriyas or six yogic cleanses. Here's how you can use your breaths to rid your body of toxins, massage your abdominal organs, aid digestion and have a "shining skull" 👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼
1️⃣ Sit in any cross-legged position, ideally #lotuspose (#padmasana). If that's not possible, any upright seated position will do. Sometimes sitting on a folded blanket or a rolled up yoga mat will do the trick. Tilt your tailbone back slightly and keep the waistline long. Place your hands on the knees.
2️⃣ Using the nose, take at least two deep breaths, and after the last inhale, squeeze the belly in quickly and gush all the air out, creating a loud sound (click video for sound). And as you inhale, relax the belly to allow the air in naturally. Think of your body as an old fashioned bicycle horn. As you press the rubber ball, the air squeezes out and as you release, air flows back in.
3️⃣ Breathe like this for about 30 exhales and inhales and on the last exhale, squeeze all the air out. You may even hold your breath after the last exhale - for about 20-30 seconds. However, if you're pregnant, do not hold the breath. This is one cycle.
4️⃣ Remember, as you practice #kapalabhati, your chest doesn't move a lot, it really is the belly that works like a bellow. Avoid moving the shoulders up and down. Repeat the cycle 2-3 rounds. If you're a beginner, you may put one hand over your belly to feel the movement. The exhale is loud, inhale is soft and passive.
This is a powerful #kriya to cleanse the system, as well as charge your #solarplexus aka #manipura #chakra. You will feel so awake and energised so it's best practiced early in the morning to wake you up. In other words, don't do it before you go to bed at night 🙊🙊🙊
Have fun practicing!
To enter the challenge and win a chance to great prizes, post the video of your #kapalabhati make sure to tag and follow:
Hosts:
@jessicaleeyoga
@ohmmingbird
@guleta
@Victorchauyogau
Sponsors:
@rumixfeelgood
@sante_asia
@avibehk
Check out @guleta for tomorrow's challenge!
