
Yoga is the mixture of physical, mental and spiritual practices and discipline which was originated in India. The most essential purpose of yoga is to bring together the body, mind and spirit into a whole. Yoga leads an individual to a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, better mental attitude and positive approach towards the world. The exercises performed during yoga will enhance an individual’s fitness and also benefit in mental well being.
The most common methods of yoga are the physical postures known as asanas and breathing techniques known as pranayama. Yoga teaches an Individual how important your body is and how you can improve your body’s flexibility and make it more strong. As the person starts to understand and value its body, the individual gets more connected with his body. Yoga makes sure a person is evolved for constant progress and has not time to get involved in other thoughts which could lead to anxiety and depression. This leads to a better approach towards the life.
Who can practice yoga?
Every person can perform yoga. There is always a suitable way for an individual to practice yoga, whether they are old or young, injured, fit or unfit, supple or inflexible, male or female. You just need to find the right mentor for you.
Physical benefits of yoga
- Improved posture
- Better sleep
- Increased natural energy level and vitality
- Greater flexibility, strength and stamina
- Better balance
- Stronger immune system
- Pulse and respiratory rate decreases
- Blood pressure decreases
- Cardiovascular efficiency increases
- Respiratory efficiency increases
- Cholesterol decreases
- Cleansing and regulating of all the body’s systems
Mental benefits of yoga
- Calm and clarity
- Greater confidence and generally more positive mood
- Sense of inner well-being and ‘centredness’
- Increased awareness of body and movement
- Counters depression and anxiety
- Ability to concentrate improves
- More self-acceptance
- Increased social skills
Different types of Yoga.
There are many types of Yoga, today let’s discuss one of the most important type of yoga which is Bhastrika.

The Sanskrit word “bhastrika” means “bellows” mostly employed by blacksmiths to melt metal. Like the bellows fan the hearth similarly Bhastrika Pranayama surges the flow of air into the body to supply heat at both the physical and subtle level–stoking the inner fire of mind and body. When this pranayama is done regularly it tends to remove blockages from the nose and chest. It is suitable for asthmatic patients and removes inflammation of the throat. Bhastrika increases the gastric fire. Pranayama improves appetite and digestion capacity. Bhastrika, when practised with Kumbhaka Pranayama, can generate heat within the body and keep it warm in rainy and weather .
Starting position: Do preliminary conditioning in Sukhasana or the other meditative posture. Sit on a firm chair with an upright backrest, if unable to take a seat on the ground . Keep the body above the waist straight and therefore the spine erect. Eyes can be kept closed.
How to do Bhastrika Pranayama?
The Sequence of steps:
Take in a deep breath and exhale forcefully through the nose, with none strain.
Immediately, breathe in with the same force.
Inhale and exhale repeatedly, deeply and thoroughly, using the diaphragmatic muscles with vigour. The abdomen moves out during inhalation, while the diaphragm descends. The converse happens while exhaling.
The above movements should be slightly exaggerated. A strong nasal sound will accompany such breathing. The process should be rhythmic and controlled, maintaining the speed as per capacity.
Do ten cycles to finish 1 round of Bhastrika Pranayama.
Best practice: Practice 3 rounds/session, with pause in-between rounds. Bhastrika Pranayama should be practised on an empty stomach, after evacuation within the morning.
Few limitations : Heart ailments, hypertension, high BP, fever, vertigo, pregnancy, intestinal disorders, spinal abnormalities and eye ailments, e.g. like a detached retina, glaucoma.
Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama:
Favourable effect on the respiratory and digestive system.
Drains excess phlegm from the lungs.
Provides oxygen to the blood increasing the vitality of all the organs and tissues
Strengthens and tones the abdominal region.
Calms the mind
Energizes the entire body and mind.
Now that the question of what’s Bhastrika pranayama & its benefits are answered – Do try it out and luxuriate in this monsoon season with radiant health.
So as we come towards the end we can say that yoga is the medicine to every problem. From physic attributes to the inner peace, yoga takes care of everything. Yoga is not something you do for a day but it is a life long commitment to enjoy a healthy and beautiful life.























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