Avoid Bhastrika !

3 weeks ago By Yogi Anoop

Can People with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Practice Kapalbhati or Bhastrika Pranayama?

Disciple: Guruji, I have high blood pressure. Can I still practice Kapalbhati or Bhastrika Pranayama?

Yogi Anoop: My clear advice is that people with high blood pressure should avoid these pranayamas.

Disciple: But why, Guruji? What harm can they cause?

Yogi Anoop: Both Kapalbhati and Bhastrika involve rapid breathing, which creates additional pressure on the body. In Kapalbhati, you forcefully exhale with a jerk, while in Bhastrika, both inhalation and exhalation are done with force. If your blood pressure is already high, this extra pressure can push it even higher, leading to complications.

Disciple: But I have been practicing these for years. If I stop suddenly, won’t it affect my routine?

Yogi Anoop: That’s a valid concern. Many long-term practitioners find it difficult to stop immediately. Some even refuse to believe that these pranayamas can be harmful in their case. If you must continue, then at least follow these precautions.

Precautions for Kapalbhati

• Slow down – Do not forcefully exhale.

• Relax your face – Avoid tension in your facial muscles.

• Avoid jerking your body – Intense practice can impact cranial nerves (the nerves of the brain).

• Limit the duration – Keep it under 4-5 minutes, with breaks in between.

Disciple: I always thought Kapalbhati was an exercise for the abdomen.

Yogi Anoop: That is a common misunderstanding. Kapalbhati is not primarily for the abdomen; it is a pranayama connected to the brain. That’s why it must be done carefully, especially for people with high blood pressure.

Precautions for Bhastrika

Disciple: And what about Bhastrika?

Yogi Anoop: Bhastrika is even riskier because both inhalation and exhalation are forceful. If done too intensely, it can cause a significant spike in blood pressure.

• Perform it at a very slow pace.

• Control your hand movements – Some people move their hands up and down while practicing, which adds extra strain.

• If your blood pressure is severely high, it is best to avoid it completely.

Natural Methods to Control Blood Pressure

Disciple: Guruji, then what should I do to manage my blood pressure naturally?

Yogi Anoop: The best way is to avoid any unnecessary strain on the body. Even daily activities can impact blood pressure.

• Do not exert too much pressure during bowel movements, as this can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure.

• Do not force urination, as this can also have an impact.

• Let your body function naturally without applying excessive force in any activity.

Disciple: So, you mean I should avoid Kapalbhati and Bhastrika altogether?

Yogi Anoop: Not necessarily. You can practice them very slowly and in a controlled manner. But it’s better to adopt gentle, regulated breathing techniques that help maintain blood pressure naturally without creating extra stress on your system.

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