bah-STREE-kah
A vigorous and heating pranayama where both inhalation and exhalation are active and forceful. It mimics the action of a blacksmith's bellows, rapidly oxygenating the blood and increasing vital energy (Prana).
Breathe in and out forcefully through the nose.
Use the diaphragm to pump air like a bellows.
Maintain a steady, rapid rhythm.
Sit in a steady posture like Padmasana or Vajrasana.
Bhastrika arms (lifting and pulling down fists) or Adi Mudra.
The breath should be powerful, audible, and rhythmic.
1:1 (rapid)
Inhale : Exhale
1:1 (rapid)
Inhale : Retain : Exhale : Suspend