


The SNS is responsible for your “fight or flight” stress response. Relieves stressĪ 2013 study found that fast pranayama, including Breath of Fire, decreased stress levels in students.Īccording to the researchers, fast pranayama may help you feel calmer by reducing activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). It can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on your experience level and preference.Īlthough Breath of Fire hasn’t been extensively studied, the existing research suggests some benefits of the practice. You can speed it up later on.īreath of Fire is done in a seated position. So, start slow if you’re new to the technique. With this technique, the pattern of your breathing is more important than the speed. This is different from slow breathing exercises, which often involve longer exhales. The exhale, which requires you to contract your abdominal muscles, is the main focus of this technique.Īlso, the inhale and exhale should be the same length, without any pauses in between. In Sanskrit, “kapal” means “skull” or “forehead” and “bhati” means “illuminating.”īreath of Fire is commonly done as part of Kundalini yoga, which involves:ĭuring Breath of Fire, you inhale passively and exhale forcefully. Pranayama is a primary component of yoga.īreath of Fire is also known as “skull shining breath” or Kapalabhati. The practice of pranayama involves different types of breathing exercises in which you inhale, exhale, and hold your breath in a specific way, depending on the breathing technique you’re doing. Breath of Fire is a form of pranayama, or breath control.
