The word kapaalbhaati accurately means ‘skull-shining’.  Kapaal meaning skull and bhati means shining.  Regular practice of kappalbhaati reduces stress while helping to calm the mind. Over a period one develops a healthy natural glow on the face.

Kapalbhati is not difficult; it can be practiced by novice yoga practitioners also.  One can learn it within 2-3 instructional sessions from a good yoga teacher. One needs to focus on exhalation.  Inhalation should be normal whereas the exhalation should be made with force. The force should be equivalent to what the individual can manage repetitively while exhalation. It has great relaxing and physical benefits. But, most practitioners perform kapalbhati for weight loss. It stimulates the respiratory system and the abdominal muscles, helping one tone out abdomen muscles which also helps improve body tone. Kapalbhati clears the respiratory passages which minimize risks of infections and allergies in the respiratory system. Due to the vigorous breaths of kapalbhati, the allergens and the infectious materials in the lungs and the respiratory passages are blown away which help in cleaning the body.

The Kapalbhaati technique helps improve the flexibility of the diaphragm. Because of the breathing technique used for this yogic kriya, the diaphragm gets ample of exercise and it becomes suppler and improves capacity of the lungs. As the diaphragm becomes stronger and more flexible, the risk of developing hernias also reduces radically. This pranayama is very effective in curing stomach disorder, obesity, digestive disorder and many problems related to stomach.

Kapalbhati practice helps improve blood circulation, especially in the lower half of the body hence it helps improve the functioning of the entire body. The technique also helps in increasing the lungs capacity and improves respiratory efficiency because it making more oxygen available to the body. When more oxygen flows into the body, the tissues and cells become more able to perform the cleansing. While practicing this pranayam you can feel very energetic both physically and mentally. Your concentrations power increases and you feel less tired.

How to practice Kapalbhati?

1. Sit straight with your spine straight with crossed legs on floor.
2. Keep the right palm on right knee and left palm on left knee.
3. Take in a deep breath and exhale quickly and repetitively, making a hissing sound. Focus on exhaling powerfully and not on the inhalation.
4. When you exhale think that your disorders are coming out of your nose.
5. When you exhale, draw your abdominal muscles inward concurrently. Your abdomen should rise when you inhale and fold when you exhale.
6. Continue for 10 breaths and then take a break. Repeat the exercise two more times.

Kapalbhati is described as the cure-all remedy available to mankind that works by balancing all bodily functions. Please try with every exhalation your intention for letting go of the unwanted emotions such as anger, disgrace, low confidence, jealousy, resentment etc. You will experience more clarity and peace. Since it works on the Heart Chakra (Anahat Chakra) and associated organs and systems of that region, it improves respiration, lung capacity and blood circulation.  Kapalbhati thus helps cure associated diseases of this region such as asthma, bronchitis etc. It works on the Manipur Chakra also. The associated diseases of this region are – indigestion, gas, diabetes, etc.

Words of caution: the side effects of Kapalbhati:

While kapalbhati has many plus points to improve body tone and relaxed mind, it is not recommended for everyone. Experts believe that certain diseases and disorders may become intricate if kapalbhati is performed regularly and unsupervised. Kapalbhati is not recommended for people who suffer from cardiac problems, hernia and spinal disorders. In addition, those suffering from severe respiratory infections, colds and nasal obstruction should also not perform this breathing and cleansing technique. Physicians usually ask people suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes to refrain from performing kapalbhati. Those with abdominal ulcers should also avoid performing the technique. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting practice; please start it only after consultation with your doctor and a qualified yoga instructor. It is best to avoid performing it on your own. Please remember that though kapalbhati pranayama steps are usually very simple, please ensure that you perform it properly or you may end up hurting physically.

Correcting posture is not easy because our body utilizes learned motor patterns in performing daily activities. As we stand, walk or sit our body uses previously learned motor patterns. So getting out of the poor pattern requires strong mental frame for giving the subconscious mind the command to sit and stand straight.

Why is good posture important? Posture refers to the body’s position and alignment which is connected with gravitational force while standing, sitting or lying down. Gravity gives a force on our joints, ligaments and muscles. A good posture therefore helps in allocating the force of gravity through our body without stressing any particular body part; posture affects how we walk, run, jump, squat, sit, lie down, lift weight etc. Posture gives ease of movement as it balances our body by distributing muscle strength flexibility. Proper positioning of spine helps proper functioning of internal organs, therefore a good posture is vital to making one feel good. I am writing this post based on my own experience. I slouch since past few years, and every time I try to sit and straight my back and shoulder slouch mechanically.

Breathe easily: A well-aligned posture helps in breathing easier and deeper. This is why doctors always ask us to sit up straight while they listen to our lung sounds. When somebody asks us to sit up straight we do, otherwise our body gets adapted to slouch. A slouched posture causes restrictions in the ease of breathing deeply, such people breathe shallow, depriving their lungs of taking in oxygen in good amount.

Digestion: When it comes to the digestive system, proper posture allows the internal organs in the abdomen to assume their natural position devoid of unnecessary compression, which can interfere with the normal flow and function of the gastrointestinal tract. A poor, slouched posture has been assumes as a contributing factor to several digestive problems from acid reflux to constipation and even hernias. A good posture allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue. It also helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain, https://thefitnessequation.com/tfestore/soma-carisoprodol/.

Healthy bones: Good posture helps us keep bones and joints in correct position so that our muscles are used correctly, this reduces the abnormal wearing and tearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain. It also reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.

Happy frame of mind: Posture also affects your frame of mind and your frame of mind can affect your posture. So, when you are well, feeling happy and on top of world, posture tends to be upright and open. In contrast, people who are depressed and in chronic pain, often sit or stand slumped. So, as far as possible maintain a happy frame of mind.

Remind yourself to sit and stand straight: Keep reminding yourself to stand up straight and breathe deeply. Good posture in sitting and standing makes it easier to breathe fully and naturally, helping both relaxation and concentration, practicing yoga for a few weeks helps to correct your posture. Tadasana, Utkatasana, Virbhadrasana, Bhujangasana help especially to correct the posture. Sitting and standing with proper postural alignment will allow you to work more efficiently with less fatigue and strain on your body’s ligaments and muscles. Being aware of a poor posture is the first step to breaking old poor postural habits and reducing stress and strain on your spine. Even several exercises help to improve your posture; the abdominal and low back muscles that connect to your spine and pelvis.

Electronic devices: There are postures tracking electronic devices in market which are embedded with dual sensors, attaches to your lower back with hypoallergenic adhesive strips and gently vibrates every time you slouch. The company making such device claims that wearing it less than an hour a day will train your muscles and mind to sit and stand upright after only two or three weeks of use. Some are worn below collarbone. These devices help in keeping your posture straight with a beeping tone reminding you to sit straight.

For all those who slouch, make a resolution and start working on your posture right away!

Even in silence, we can hear the beat of our own hearts. How would life be without sounds? Dull, empty, drained, snapped…. We listen to others talking, laughing; just from the tone of a person’s voice we make out whether he/she is cheerful or not. We listen to music. Music and our lives have been strongly unified. Music reflects and creates a mind condition. We use sound of music to uplift our spirits. The sounds we utter heal ourselves and others. The sounds we hear around us affect our health and vitality. The Universe is made up of vibration and sound is not only a most potent tool in maintaining and creating our sense of well-being, but also can be used to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

When we consciously regulate the sounds through the use of mantra, breath, and rhythm, we can produce profound effects on our body and mind health and well-being. The ability we have to affect our immune system through our thoughts and emotions has been scientifically documented by scientists. Rhythm, tune, melody and our breathing together can create a healing response in the immune system. Chanting certain mantras puts pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. The vibration from the mantra stimulates a gland called hypothalamus. It is responsible for the regulation of many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. The happier you are the stronger your immunity.

Music was generally divided into two categories – Maarga and Desi. Maarga sangeet was more of an offering to God – not necessarily just ritualistic or hymns – but a way to see God through music. Desi sangeet was for the common man, and for entertainment. Desi sangeet also catered to regional variations, local influences, culture, tastes etc.

The certain vibrating sounds of the mantras helps in stimulating the hormones that calms the mind and relaxes our body. It also helps us to concentrate and thereby works as a tranquiliser for our mind.

Music can lift us up. It can bring tears to our eyes. It can help us relax or make us dance. It has such a power, that we hear it several times a day on radio, TV, mobile, in the supermarket, at the gym everywhere. Music has been with us since ancient times, and it is part of every known culture. Music strikes a chord with all of us.

Several researched studies have found that listening to music can alleviate pain or reduce the need for pain medications. Other research suggests that music can benefit heart disease patients by reducing their blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Music therapy has also been shown to lift the spirits of patients with depression. Making music yourself, either playing instruments or singing can have therapeutic effects as well.

I recently attended a 5 days’ workshop on Nad Yoga; I conclude in short that sound (naad) is at the basis of everything we hear; listening to particular sound is the scientific essence of it. According to Einstein, everything in the universe is in a state of vibration, which includes us. Life is sound and sound brings life to the earth, which is why using the power of sound energy is one of the simplest and most effective methods of balancing the body’s energy system. Sound Essences embrace the healing vibrations, which are found in: Sound, Colour, Crystals and Gems, Positive Word Affirmations, Sacred Geometry, Symbols, Aroma and Homeopathy. These healing vibrations interact with the physical and energetic body to produce full spectrum of vibrational healing for energy balancing.

Sound Essences are pioneering remedies that embrace the principles of vibrational medicine which is based on the principle that all illness, disease, or imbalance is characterized by blockage in the channels at different levels; it affects our aura, chakras, spine, arteries, veins, lymph or nerves. When there is a blockage in a channel, the related system or organ no longer vibrates at a healthy frequency, causing discomfort or sickness. Sound Essences restore the healthy vibration to the body allowing the physical body to rebalance itself. Every individual who works to raise his or her vibrational level to enter into a clear and balanced frequency is contributing to the alignment and enrichment of this world.

The purpose of Naad Yoga meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, body automatically becomes peaceful.