Steps to do Bhastrika Pranayama
1. First, sit in cross-legged position without putting strain on any part of the body especially shoulders and neck. Keep spine straight.
2. Make a fist and fold your arms. Then place them near your shoulders.
3. Take a deep breath in, raise your hands and open your fists. Thereafter, exhale forcefully. Bring your hands down and close your fists.
4. Do inhalation and exhalation repeatedly and with vigour.
5. Repeat this to the count of 20-30.
6. Then relax with palms on your knees.
7. Take a few normal breaths and then continue two more rounds of Bhastrika pranayams.
While Bhastrika pranayama ensures holistic well-being and can be performed by most of the people, caution is advised in case of pregnancy and hypertension.
Bhastrika pranayama should ideally be practiced on empty stomach. In case of dizziness or any other discomfort while doing it, the practitioner should immediately consult the yoga instructor.
Pregnant women should avoid doing it. Those suffering with serious health conditions should do it only under the supervision of a good Yoga teacher.
Patients of heart disease, hypertension and high BP must do Bhastrika under close watch of a teacher.
It is always important to listen to your body. If it is not supporting intense exercise, effort should be made to reach the desired level of flexibility and comfort gradually.
