5. Ancillary Breathing Techniques

Kapālabhāti
– Fast Abdominal Breathing both Nostrils
(Technically a Kriyā so used on its own before or in Āsana, or in Mudrā
or as a seated preliminary technique before Prāṇāyāma
or as an introductory step towards Bhastrikā)

“Bhastrikā is Kapālabhāti plus finger control with Mṛgi Mudrā.
There are several practice combinations around Bhastrikā:
1. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
2. Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril continuously
3. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril continuously
4. Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
5. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril and
Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
However, the student needs to be proficient in the
practice of Kapālabhāti before introducing Bhastrikā.”
– 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers

– Prāṇāyāma Theory Questions
“What are Kapālabhāti and Bhastrikā?
Compare and discuss their effects
on Prāṇa Sthāna and Apāna Sthāna”
To Download or View this Question as a PDF Study Sheet
– Yoga Practice Planning and Theory Questions – Collected & Collated

Links to Related Posts:

• Glossary of Prāṇāyāma & Bandha Techniques Grouped into Primary, Secondary & Ancillary Techniques
• An example personal practice from 2002 from TKV Desikachar……
• Viniyoga Vignette 1 – Antar and Bāhya Kumbhaka in Āsana
• Viniyoga Vignette 2 – Combining techniques in Prāṇāyāma
• Viniyoga Vignette 2 Commentary on – Combining techniques in Prāṇāyāma
• Viniyoga Vignette 3 – Śītalī and Anuloma Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma within Āsana
• Viniyoga Vignette 4 – Combining Prāṇāyāma within Āsana
• Viniyoga Vignette 5 – Introducing Uḍḍīyana Bandha within an Āsana practice