Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Still, more research is needed to confirm this effect. The breathing technique involves repeated contractions of your abdominal muscles, which may make them stronger, especially if you do this technique on a regular basis. There haven’t been any studies to support this benefit, but there’s some merit to the claim. Strengthens abdominal musclesĪccording to anecdotal reports, Breath of Fire can double as an ab workout. However, more research is needed to support this. This may be due to its effect on stress, according to the report.Ī 2015 study also suggests including Breath of Fire in a yoga practice to help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Improves digestionīreath of Fire engages your abdominal muscles, which may help with digestion.įor example, in a 2013 case report, the technique helped manage gastroesophageal reflux disease in a 62-year-old man. Practitioners also report that the exercise forces you to be mindful of your breath, which enhances overall mindfulness. The pranayama intervention included various techniques, including Breath of Fire. In a 2017 study, students who practiced yoga pranayama experienced higher levels of mindfulness. This may help with concentration, as it improves how quickly you respond to visual stimuli. They also noted that focusing on a specific breathing pattern reduces the focus on outside stressors.Īnd a 2013 study found that Breath of Fire, when done with eye exercises, can decrease visual reaction time. Stress, after all, can make it hard to concentrate. The researchers attributed this benefit to the stress-relieving effect of pranayama. Enhances concentrationĪ 2014 study found that fast pranayama, including Breath of Fire, may enhance brain functions such as memory, reaction time, and attention. The study also notes that the short exhales help remove secretions from your airway passages, allowing your lungs to take in more air. It also helps strengthen your diaphragm, a muscle that fills your lungs with air. Supports respiratory functionĪccording to a 2014 study, this breathing technique exercises your respiratory muscles. The study also found that fast pranayama may increase activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which regulates your “rest and digest” response. 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.
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