Kapalabhati is a highly effective pranayama that activates apana. In Kapalabhati, unlike Bhastrika, only the exhalation is active, while the inhalation remains passive and natural. There is no need to focus on the inhalation—attention is directed solely toward the exhalation. In this pranayama, one performs exhalation after exhalation, creating the sensation of continuous outward breath, while the inhalation is brief and almost imperceptible.
The duration of Kapalabhati practice may vary, ranging from a few cycles to two or three minutes or more. The intensity of the exhalations can also be adjusted according to the intended purpose of the practice and the practitioner’s level of preparation.
Kapalabhati pranayama is a powerful cleansing practice. With regular practice, Kapalabhati can cleanse the body of various toxins and impurities, including those accumulated in the psyche. Many imbalances may dissolve through this pranayama, as each exhalation releases what is no longer needed. Through the activation of apana energy, Kapalabhati can bring about profound transformations in the nature of the practitioner.