Bhastrika Pranayama is bellows breathing. In this type of pranayama, the lungs and the abdominal muscles function like bellows, stoking the breath and heating and invigorating the body. Both the inhalation and the exhalation are forceful and vigorous. The sound coming from the nostrils sounds like bellows.

Sit for pranayama. Exhale any breath left in the lungs. Inhale quickly and sharply and then expel the breath quickly and strongly. This is one set of bhastrika breath. Repeat up to ten times. Then rest in Savasana. Gradually build up the repetitions, never straining the breath.

Don't practice this type of breathing if you're pregnant or menstruating, or if you have high or low blood pressure.

The benefits of this type of pranayama include the following:

• It stimulates the liver, spleen, and pancreas.

• It tones the abdominal muscles.

• It improves digestion.

• It drains the sinuses.

• It is exhilarating and a mood elevator.