I have a question about a yoga student who has been coming to my classes regularly for the past 8 years or so, almost always shows up late. She is in her late 40’s, very flexible and slender. Anne has been diagnosed as bi-polar and has been hospitalized for mental issues on occasion and on medication for that. She recently has gone to a counselor who is also a yoga teacher. This person has told her not to do any kapalabhati, what are your thoughts on that? Any other things she should avoid? Anne has not ever come for an assesment, but her vata seems very out of balance to me.
A: That depends on how it is taught. Kapalabhati as I have seen taught at Integral Yoga stimulates pitta; as I teach it is a kriya, purifying kapha. In either way it would not be contraindicated unless over done. For vata nadi shodhana or other gentle calming pranayama would be more indicated. namaste