Kundalini Breath of Fire

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we systematically present Kundalini Breath of Fire.

Objective

Become familiar with teaching considerations and instructions for Kundalini Breath of Fire.

Description

Explain Kundalini Breath of the Fire and differentiate it from Kapalabhati. Describe the effects said to be associated with Breath of Fire and provide instructions for practice. Give contraindications and cautions for this practice.

Introduction

Overview

• Fundamental to Kundalini Yoga is a pranayama practice called Breath of Fire.
• It’s described as a cleansing and energizing breath, powered by abdominal contractions.

Different from Kapalabhati

The Breath of Fire is not the same as Bastrika, which is a light fast rhythmic breath, usually taught as one of the pranayamas in hatha yoga. Nor is the Breath of Fire like Kapalabati, which is a forceful breath, where you contract the abdomen and rib cage (pulling on the root lock with each contacting breath), where the simple relaxing of the rib cage brings the air back into the lungs, without inhaling… While Kapalabati is very powerful and beneficial, and while it is used in many KY Kriyas, it is not the same as Breath of Fire. – KundaliniYoga.org

• Breath of Fire is sometimes described as the same or similar to Kapalabhati. However, as noted in quote above, they are often considered to be different practices.
• While Kapalabhati can be practiced slowly, Kundalini Breath of Fire seems to be mostly taught as a rapid breath. That being said, some directions include a slower start, building to the traditional rapid breath.
• In a typical Kundalini Yoga class, Breath of Fire is practiced both on its own and with asana.