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Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath)
कपालभाति
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: India · Tradition: A hatha-yoga kriya / pranayama · Breathing
What it is
An active breathing method of repeating short, strong out-breaths. It is taught as a cleansing practice, but if a beginner does it fast and hard there is a risk of dizziness and of blood-pressure change.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Always start with a small number of rounds, with an experienced teacher.
- Do not do a fast series on your own.
- It is usually avoided in pregnancy, high blood pressure, after abdominal surgery, epilepsy, and similar conditions.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Breathing
- Focus and thinking
- Tiredness
Related symptom videos
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
There are small studies of effects on physiology and the autonomic nervous system. It is not a first choice for self-care. Safety comes first.
Sources
Safety notes
Over-breathing, fainting, and raised abdominal pressure. It can be especially dangerous in high blood pressure or pregnancy.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Pregnancy
- Poorly controlled high blood pressure or heart disease
- Recent abdominal surgery
- If you have a history of epilepsy or severe anxiety attacks, consult a teacher and a physician