Pranayama is an important part of yogic life because it opens the doors to subtle energy. Bhastrika pranayama is a heating practice that cleans your channels, removes blockages, and helps activate kundalini energy. Why is it called Bhastrika? Bhastrika pranayama is a traditional breathing exercise of rapid and rhythmic inhalation and exhalation. The Sanskrit word “bhastrika” means “bellows”. The hissing sound created by forceful breathing mimics the sound of a blacksmith’s bellows. Like the bellows gives oxygen to the fire, bhastrika pranayama increases the heat and circulation of prana. Bhastrika vs Kapalbhati Even though the practice of bhastrika pranayama resembles kapalbhati breathing, these two are different in many ways. BhastrikaKapalbhatiPranayama techniqueA cleansing techniqueInvolves the stomach and the entire respiratory systemInvolves the stomach and the diaphragmActive…