What it is
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists Kapalbhati among the six cleansing practices (shatkarmas): rapid exhalation and inhalation "like the bellows of a blacksmith", said to dry up excess kapha. In modern practice it is done with active, forceful exhalations by drawing in the abdomen, while inhalation happens on its own.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.35
भस्त्रावल्लोहकारस्य रेचपूरौ ससम्भ्रमौ ।
कपालभातिर्विख्याता कफदोषविशोषणी ॥
bhastrāval lohakārasya recapūrau sasambhramau |
kapālabhātir vikhyātā kaphadoṣaviśoṣaṇī ||
Exhaling and inhaling rapidly like the bellows of a blacksmith — this is called Kapalbhati, and it dries up disorders of kapha.
How to practise
- Sit upright. Sit with the spine straight and hands on the knees.
- Exhale actively. Breathe out sharply through the nose by quickly pulling the belly in.
- Let the inhale happen. Relax the belly; the inhalation comes passively.
- Short rounds. Begin with 20–30 strokes, at a comfortable pace, then rest and breathe normally.
- Build slowly. Increase gradually over weeks; stop at any dizziness or discomfort.
Avoid Kapalbhati if you are pregnant or menstruating, or have high blood pressure, heart disease, a hernia, epilepsy, glaucoma or recent abdominal surgery. General information only, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, a hernia, epilepsy, recent surgery or any other condition, consult a doctor and learn from a qualified teacher before practising.
Who should be careful
- Pregnant women and during menstruation
- High blood pressure or heart conditions
- Hernia, ulcers or recent abdominal surgery
- Epilepsy, glaucoma or vertigo
- Anyone who feels dizzy — stop and breathe normally
Frequently asked questions
Is Kapalbhati a pranayama?
Classically it is one of the six cleansing practices (shatkarmas); today it is usually taught alongside pranayama.
How many strokes should a beginner do?
About 20–30 per round, for two or three rounds, building up slowly.
Who should avoid Kapalbhati?
Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, epilepsy or recent surgery, unless a doctor and qualified teacher advise otherwise.