Learn the Breath of Fire - Bastrika Pranayama

In this video, you will learn the Breath of Fire, also known as Bastrika Pranayama.

Sit cross legged with your back erect and held rigid.

Touch the tip of your thumb with your index finger and rest your wrists on your knees, palms up.

Now, using your diaphragm, start breathing in and out vigorously and in rapid succession.

Your breath will create a hissing sound because of the force.

One inhalation followed by an exhalation makes up a single cycle of bastrika pranayama.

Complete 10-12 cycles at a time.

Follow this with a slow and deep breath which is retained for 3 seconds and exhaled slowly and completely.

Repeat this sequence 3-4 more times.

In the second stage of Bastrika Pranayama, use your thumb or ring and little fingers to close the right or the left nostril.

Start by closing the left nostril and leaving the right nostril open.

Perform 12 cycles of vigorous breathing as done before.

Now, close your right nostril and open your left nostril.

Perform 12 more cycles of the breathing.

Release the fingers and inhale slowly, retain the breath for 3 seconds and exhale completely.

Complete a set of 4-5 cycles per sitting, taking a break for slow breathing in the middle.

You can also try raising your arms up in the air when breathing in through both nostrils and bringing them back down when exhaling.

This exercise strengthens the lungs, treats allergies, asthma and tonsilitis.

It also calms the mind and heats up the body.

You have now learnt Bastrika Pranayama, the Breath of Fire.