Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Yoga Teachers:

All of you should have learned this in yoga teacher training. Please give your students the following warning about Bhastrika pranayama.

Please exercise caution against the temptation of pushing too far in your beginning of Bhastrika. If you have an alpha personality and the tendency to push your natural limits, please lie down on your back when performing this pranayam, as there is a chance for you to become dizzy and lose consciousness. You could also fall to the ground and injure yourself.

Forced breathing makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but too much Bhastrika practice can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness. You will not be injured if you are on the floor or in bed during Bhastrika practice. Should you lose consciousness, your regular breathing will return to normal.