The Bhagavad Gita, the ancient Vedic epic, says you can invigorate your body and mind with the breathing technique known as bhastrika or “bellows breath”. This is an exercise that cleanses your lungs while increasing the oxygen flow to your cells and tissues.
Sit comfortably with your spine upright and close your eyes. Exhale all the air from your lungs. Then begin deep in-and-out breathing through your nose silently, while repeating in your mind the word “So” on the inflow and “Hum” on the outflow. For the first twenty breaths take two-second slow forceful inhalations and two-second slow forceful exhalations. It is easiest to keep track of the number of breaths by counting on your fingers.
The next twenty breaths are performed faster with approximately one-second inhalations and one-second exhalations. These are all performed through the nose while thinking “So” on the in-breath and “Hum” on the out-breath.
Finally, perform twenty rapid bhastrika breaths, with approximately half-second inhalations and half-second exhalations. After the twenty rapid breaths, perform one more slow deep breath. You will notice then that your mind is clear and quiet while your body is energized.
Remember, the breath movement should be almost entirely abdominal, using your diaphragm to move air. Your head and shoulders should be relaxed and mostly still.
Practice bhastrika when you are felling a little sluggish and need a quick replenishment of energy. And if you are into meditation, it will help to clear away drowsiness before you start your practice.
Do try it – it has worked for me, anyway.
