Category: Pranayama


2015-01-02 – Kapalabhati

An exercise I picked up while practicing Bujinkan. The first printout shows four deep breaths a minute:

4 normal breaths

The second printout shows the rapid “shining” breaths, 60 active exhalations and passive inhalations in one minute:

Effect of Kapalabhati on EEG

Notice the effect on the EEG channel. It feels exactly as pictured above. Although I have suspicion that a change in skin conductance (GSR) might be causing some artifacts. Perform Kapalabhati thusly:

Sit in the Lotus posture if possible and hold the head erect. Begin with an exhalation brought about by a rapid inward stroke of the abdomen. Inhalation follows immediately by relaxation of the abdominal muscles. Thus, inhalation is passive and automatic. Repeat this exercise at the rate of one exhalation per second. Look up at the end of the exercise, exposing the throat and hold the breath with the diaphragm.

Previously it was specified that the Lotus posture of yoga be employed for this exercise. The reason will now become apparent. When the breathing exercise described herein is properly performed over a long period, certain vibrations begin within the body. The vibrations, coupled with a feeling of exhilaration, lessen motor control of the limbs. In the Lotus, the legs are in a position impossible to undo without the aid of the hands.

This exercise is used to develop concentration.

Do not attempt while driving or operating machinery!

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2012-03-04 – Extension of Breath

Effects of Pranayama on Heartbeat
I wrote a new plugin that outlines breathing patterns that can be followed with no need for any hardware. This is my first test run; the line shows the level at which my lungs were filled. The selected minute shows a brief inhalation with the heartbeat climbing to distribute the fresh air, then a long retention and finally an exhalation to a ratio of 1:4:2. I managed to keep this up for a good 30 minutes. 

Strangely enough, my heart rate went up over the course of the session. I counted 62 beats in the first minute and 71 beats in the last. I guess I need to keep practicing! Then again, considering that I had less than a breath per minute for over half an hour, it is a good start.

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