I have been a yoga practitioner for decades–sporadic practitioner–and I have done bastrika–pranayama-- before but I want to do it again and I wonder–how much? Recently I have started doing three groups of 30 breaths each. I do this maybe three times in an hour–or 9 groups of 30 breaths. Is this a lot?
Well, the answer depends on your previous pranayama experience, your general condition and whether or not you are guided by a teacher. We don’t know about this yet. Metaphorically speaking, your question could therefore range from <<I’ve been driving my family car to the supermarket for decades and now I would like to try formula-1 racing >> to <<I’ve been doing formula-1 racing in the past and now I would like to try it again>>.
Pranayama in general, and bhastrika in particular, is a very powerful technique. Bhastrika can be purifying and increase energy. Done improperly or excessively, it may lead to headaches, inflammation and energy depletion. There are contraindicated conditions like high blood pressure, heart conditions, pregnancy. It is best to introduce bhastrika gradually after having previously mastered other breathing techniques, especially kapalabhati and agnisar dhouti. Pranayama needs to be learned from a teacher and not from a book.
I’m always reminded of the Hatha Pradipika II-15, which states that << Just as a lion, an elephant, or a tiger is tamed by degrees, similarly respiration is to be brought under control gradually: otherwise is would harm the aspirant.>> More discussion on the safety of pranayama practices can be found at http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f18/pranayama-problem-2406.html?highlight=pranayama+problem.
The short answer to your question is: 3 rounds of 30 is fine if you develop this gradually over time (weeks), have been instructed by a teacher, and do not experience any adverse effects. Nine rounds is definitely too much when re-starting an unguided personal practice.
Willem: Thanks for your detailed answer. I don’t have a teacher and I don’t know of any in this area and if I did I don’t know their qualifications so I am in the same boat as a huge number of would-be yogis–I have to go by the best info I can get from wherever I can get it.
Teachers in Chicago?
[B]Inner: I don’t live in Chicago but 90 miles to the west of it–I say I live in Chicago so people with get a general idea of where I am. One thing I didn’t mention in my first post–I don’t practice breath retention when doing the bhastrika–so maybe what I am doing is actually kapilabhati?[/B]
A really excellent, informational and educational site that you can use to help you along with your Pranayama
h t t p : / / a n m o l m e h t a . c o m
It has videos, descriptions, news letter, step by step guides.
It is one of my all time favorite Yogic sites.
:o
Humble: Thanks for the tip.I will check them out.