Kapalbhati Yoga Benefits: What Really Happens to Your Body

Do you ever observe people sitting straight in a park and moving their stomach up & down quickly? That is Kapalbhati. So many videos claim it help in burning off belly fat, cleansing the body and make your face glowing. Does it seem the same to anyone else?

In this blog, we will observe what really happens in your body when you do it! We will also be able to see which benefits are genuine and which are just promoted on the market.

What is Kapalbhati yoga?

The word Kapal refers to forehead/head. "Bhati" means shine. So Kapalbhati means "shining head". An extremely ancient breathing exercise, from the Hatha Yoga discipline.

Here is how it works:

• Sit up straight, pull your belly in gently.
• Exhale using a short push through the nose.
• Then relax your belly, and the air should come in.

As such, there is only an effort to respirate on exhalation. Inhale effortlessly and naturally.

Is Kapalbhati a Yoga Pose?

There are many people who think kapalbhati is a yoga posture. That's not a posture such as Tadasana or Bhujangasana. Sit in a comfortable posture (e.g. Sukhasana) and practice breathing. Kapalbhati pranayama yoga is breathing yoga that is practiced while seated.

What Happens in Your Body When You Do Kapalbhati?

In the First Minute: Your Belly Works

Each and every time that you are pushing out the air, your stomach muscles tighten up. Similar to sitting, doing small sit-ups. Some or all strokes will cause a slight warmth and tiredness in the belly.

After a few minutes: You May Feel Dizzy

Breathe out quickly several times, which will cause slight changes in air balance in the body. Maybe the feelings of lightness in your head or tingliness in your hands. Here's what many newbie's do.

If this occurs, stop. Breathe normally and rest for a minute. Try taking it easy next time.

After You Stop: You Feel Calm

Most people state that their mind is clear after the round. It's similar to washing your face with cold water on a hot day. You have energy and do not feel overworked. 

Kapalbhati Yoga Benefits You Can Really Expect

These are the actual benefits enjoyed by individuals when they work with these regularly.

1. Stronger Breathing

Breathing exercise is an exercise for your breathing muscles. Slowly, you may feel that climbing stairs is easier and you get tired less. If you get breathless easily, you can first read our blog on yoga for breathing problems. It has gentle poses to start with.

2. A Calmer Mind and Better Focus

While doing Kapalbhati, you count your strokes. So your mind remains fixed and does not wander in and out. This can relieve students before studying and workers before working in the office.

Once completed, sit down for a few minutes and practise Nadi Shodhan Pranayama. An exercise that emphasis slow breathing which can produce peacefulness in the body.

3. Better Digestion

Your stomach is flashing "in and out" messages numerous times. It is similar to giving your abdomen a massage. Some people have less gas and they can more easily defecate in the morning.

Important to Remember

Avoid Kapalbhati, after eating. Make sure to have no food in your stomach. After eating, the stomach can be painful or give off sour burps.

Benefits of Yoga Kapalbhati: Myths and Truth

There are numerous videos that promise a lot. Let's take a moment to see them, one by one.

Myth 1: It takes out all toxins from the body.

Truth: Every day your liver and kidneys will flush your body. It is not possible to "wash" the body with Kapalbhati. It just makes you warm which could cause you to sweat a bit.

Myth 2: It Melts Belly Fat Fast

Truth: There is no exercise to reduce only fat from a specific body part. Kapalbhati could activate the muscles of your belly without burning too many calories. For a smaller belly, you also need healthy food, good sleep and daily walking.

Myth 3: It Cures Sugar, BP or Thyroid.

Truth: No, it doesn't. May make you feel less nervous, but not a medicine. Do NOT stop medication. Talk with your doctor first.

Is Kapalbhati the Same as Deep Breathing?

No, they aren't! Deep breathing is when you take a deep inhale and a deep exhale. It soothes you, it is similar to the coolness of a breeze.

In Kapalbhati inhale and exhale rapidly and vigorously. It awakens you, as does splashing a person's face with water. It's the reason for the many nights of deep breathing and mornings of Kapalbhati.

Both are useful. Simply select the one that is appropriate for your body and the time of day!

How Long Does It Take to See Kapalbhati Yoga Benefits?

There are more simple rules that we must follow, each one of us is different:

• First week: You feel fatigued in your stomach and get the rhythm.
• Week 2 to 4: The rhythm becomes easy. It might make you feel fresh in the morning and light on the stomach.
• After 2 months: Breathing feels better, and you do not get tired so quickly.

5 minutes a day practising is better than 30 minutes practising 1 time per week.

Who Should Not Do Kapalbhati Yoga?

This works to stretch the stomach and alters your breathing pattern. Thus, it's not beneficial for all. 

Do not do it, or get your doctor's advice first if you:

• are pregnant
• have high blood pressure or a heart problem
• Have a hernia or a stomach ulcer.
• had an operation on the belly recently
• have fits (epilepsy) or get dizzy again and again
• feel weak or unwell that day

When in doubt just find out from a trained yoga instructor.

Easy Tips for Beginners

• Exercise on an empty stomach in the a.m.
• Keep back straight and shoulders relaxed.
• Keep the workout to 20 – 30 strokes.
• Take a few normal breaths and then repeat again.
• If you get dizzy, STOP! Avoid pushing your breath!

Final Words

So how does that work? Your stomach muscles become tighter, your breathing improves, your mind is at peace, and your belly may feel lighter. But Kapalbhati does not remove toxins or burn belly fat in a few days. If you know the truth, then you can allow yourself to enjoy life with no false hope.