Nibedita Yoga Training Centre
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Pranayama

Vastrika

वस्त्रिकाবস্ত্রিকা

Intermediate3–10 min
🌬️

About this Practice

Bellows breath — both the inhale and exhale are forceful and equal. More intense than Kapal Bhati, Vastrika powerfully oxygenates the blood, generates internal heat, and burns toxins. A heating, energising practice.

How to Practise

  1. 1

    Sit comfortably. Begin with 10 slow deep breaths to prepare.

  2. 2

    Start pumping the breath: forceful inhale through the nose (belly expands), forceful exhale (belly contracts). Both equal in force.

  3. 3

    The speed is moderate — about one full breath per second.

  4. 4

    Begin with 10–20 pumps per round. Rest for 30 seconds. Build to 3 rounds of 30.

  5. 5

    After the last pump of a round, take a deep inhale and hold briefly.

  6. 6

    Exhale slowly and sit quietly, observing the effects.

Benefits

  • Powerfully oxygenates the blood
  • Generates internal heat
  • Boosts energy and metabolism
  • Clears mucus from lungs
  • Burns fat
  • Increases alertness

⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications

Heart conditions. High blood pressure. Lung disease. Pregnancy. Epilepsy. Recent abdominal/thoracic surgery. Not for beginners until Kapal Bhati is established.

Want to learn this under guidance?

All practices in this library are taught systematically at Nibedita Yoga Training Centre.