Can we detoxify from smog and toxins just by breathing? Yes, with the yoga technique kapalbhati pranayama able to improve respiratory function but also mental health. It is enough to practice it for only 5 minutes a day. Find out how to do it
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
Now we know, living in very polluted areas can heavily affect the death rate: smog can really turn into a powerful and invisible poison that shortens our lives one day at a time. Hence, it is important to try to take care of our respiratory system, including through breathing exercises that come from yogic tradition. (Read also: Cleanse yourself from smog ... by breathing! 3 simple exercises to do at home to detoxify yourself from pollution)
One of the many yoga techniques is the kapalbhati pranayama, a breathing technique that purifies our body and also has positive effects on our mental health. The term comes from Sanskrit, "kapala" means "skull" while "bhati" means to clean. "Pranayama" really means "breathing technique". Let's see what are the various steps to practice it.
Come on in, take a look
Kapalbhati pranayama is known for its benefits for the mind, body and spirit of the person. It is part of the shat kriyas, that is the purification techniques of yoga. Helps inelimination of toxins from the lungs and brain, in strengthening of the abdominal muscles and in improved digestion.
This breathing technique includes a slow, passive inhalation and an active, vigorous exhalation, mainly using the abdominal muscles. The various steps you need to follow to practice it are:
- Practice a quiet environment, using a yoga mat. Sit down at legs crossed and with the spine erect.
- Place your hands on your knees e face them up, then touch the tip of the index fingers with that of the thumbs, in the classic yoga gesture that you will certainly know.
- Close your eyes, hold on straight head and back e relax your shoulders.
- Breathe in deeply, focusing on your belly.
- exhale, trying to contract the belly as much as you can. The stomach contracts when you exhale and rises when you inhale. The exhalation must be fast and make a snorting sound.
- Fate 20 breaths following this technique for 5 to 10 minutes and you will have completed a tour of kapalbhati. With a little practice, this process will become almost automatic. You can repeat it up to 5 times a day.
Kapalbhati: and beneficiaries
I main benefits of the kapalbhati pranayama technique are:
- helps reduce CO2 levels in the blood, increasing oxygen levels in the body;
- through “active exhalation and active inhalation” blood circulation is improved and mental stress is alleviated;
- trains and strengthens the lungs;
- removes toxins and other toxic materials from the body;
- it trains the brain, improving memory and concentration, also relieving anxiety and tension;
- can help people with asthma;
- improves digestive and gastric problems;
- can help with insomnia;
- helps in the production of endorphins, which improve our mood.
Follow your Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
You could be of interest to you:
- 5 yoga poses to help you fight insomnia and sleep better
- Alternating nostril breathing: the benefits and how to practice it
- Deep Breathing: 10 Health Benefits
