Like a fire that burns when you blow on it, Bhastrika Pranayama ignites our inner fire of tapas arising from our practices. Bhastrika Pranayama is one of the most favorite practices of yogis, because bhastrika generates a subtle fire that can transform our nature.
This pranayama can open the Sushumna and open the chakras. If there are problems with stagnation in the body or psyche, then performing Bhastrika will make the energy circulate and what has been bothering you will disappear without leaving a trace. Bhastrika can heal problems of the lungs and organs related to the respiratory system. The fire of Bhastrika is able to burn the dirt accumulated in the body and psyche. Bhastrika can balance your entire system. The fire by tapas, from the performance of Bhastrika, is capable of awakening the Kundalini. Everything can be transformed, and even the mind, under the influence of this pranayama, can be purified and transformed. Bhastrika is included in various systems of exercises and practices.
At first, Bhastrika should be performed carefully and gently, as there is a risk of damaging the delicate nasal septum. Once you have warmed up, you can gradually increase the intensity. Alternatively, you can perform other active exercises beforehand to prepare your body for a more vigorous Bhastrika practice. There are three main intensity levels for Bhastrika, ranging from very light and gentle to very intense and powerful, resembling a hurricane.
To begin with, you can do bhastrika for 2-5 minutes. In the future, the execution time can be increased, but don't do more than 20 minutes. Bhastrika increases the heat and your energy will be excessively powerful. Sensations may be aggravated by performing Bhastrika Pranayama. Especially the sense of smell.
The technique of performing Bhastrika pranayama is simple, it is a quick inhalation and exhalation, as if in a blacksmith's bellows. Do it slowly, fanning your fire. Don't do it too forcefully or too intensely. When both nostrils breathe equally during bhastrika, it is a sign that the Sushumna (central channel of fire) has opened.
There are different types of Bhastrika. It all depends on the tasks you set before yourself. You can practice Bhastrika in conjunction with Ashwini mudra. It can be done alternately through each nostril, as in Nadi-Shodhana pranayama. Bhastrika reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and saturates the blood with oxygen. When there is enough oxygen, Kundalini awakens, and carbon dioxide, on the contrary, acts on the Force inside us, like a sleeping pill. When the Kundalini is awakened, there is strength of spirit and fearlessness, the chakras open and love in the heart grows.