Bhastrika: Inhale slowly through the nose and expand the belly. Immediately after blow out the air. It is done right when you can actually hear the air rushing out.
Bhastrika can be used to counter tiredness before a meditation. For this purpose close the left nostril with two fingers so that you only inhale through the right nostril. Then, exhale through the left nostril. This exercise increases the digestive “ Fire” and is useful for afflictions caused by excessive amounts of mucous. It is said that by doing Bhastrika you maybe undoing the three knots that prevent the free flow of Kundalini.
NadI Sodhana Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing.
A technique that helps to balance the life-force { prana } and assists in calming the mind is called Alternate Nostril Breathing. Ancient yoga text books states that this technique helps get rid of impurities in the finer nerve channels.
Close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand, inhale slowly through the left nostril. Then close the left nostril with the little finger and forth finger. Exhale slowly through the right nostril followed by a slow inhalation through the right nostril. Close the right nostril and exhale slowly through the left. This is one round. The full exercise take ten rounds. This exercise maybe done three times a day for three months. After three months the exercise can be done only once or twice a day to maintain a certain level of purification.
All breathing exercises are recommended for healthy persons only, who should not exceed their abilities. Since there is NO breath retention, this exercise should be safe.
Tratak: is practiced by gazing at one point without blinking until tears start to flow. Afterwards, resist any temptation to rub the eyes in case there is any itching. This technique strengthens the eyes, willpower and concentration.
