Lose weight with kapalbhati pranayama

Yoga may not be a quick fix, but it can be an excellent long-term approach in maintaining your weight and staying fit. Made popular by Yog Guru Ramdev Baba, the kapalbhati pranayama is a very powerful weight loss tool. Here are ways how the breathing technique aid in weight loss. You may also want to read 8 variations of pranayama with incredible healthy benefits.

Regulates metabolism

Kapalbhati pranayama can stimulate the functioning of the endocrine organs that can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories. In simple terms, metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy and the fats are well utilised by the body. Regular practise of the pranayama can help you burn more calories and as a bonus aid in blood sugar control. Here are 3 best ways to boost metabolism.

Releases toxins

It is a highly effective method to clear the toxins out of your body which in turn aid in weight loss. You can release 80 percent of the toxins from your body while you exhale. The vigorous breathing technique also cleanses the liver. Liver is one of the main organs responsible for burning fat and it must be cleaned or flushed regularly to operate effectively. A clean liver can also boost your metabolism helping you to lose weight effectively.

Reduces food cravings

This breathing technique can also raise the levels of serotonin in your body, a hormone which can reduce your cravings for fattening and comfort foods. Some studies suggest that serotonin not only increases appetite but also induces cravings for sugary and salty foods, causing weight gain. It directly influences your food choices by binding to the receptors in the brain that stimulate you to eat food high in fat and sugar. Try these low-calorie recipes for weight loss which can keep you satiated.

Beats stress

When you are stressed, your body releases certain chemicals that can contribute to weight gain. The effect of controlled breathing can reduce stress which in turn can lead to weight loss.

Burns abdominal fat

While you do the pranayama, your stomach is contracted while exhaling and relaxed while inhaling. This breathing process strengthens the abdominal muscles which can help burn the abdominal fat and tone the waistline. You can also burn belly fat with this simple yoga pose. 

Steps to do kapalbhati pranayam:

• Sit comfortably on your yoga mat. Keep your spine erect and your palms on your knees facing downwards.
• Now exhale through your nose and pull your stomach in towards your spine. When you loosen your stomach muscles you will automatically breathe in.
• Quickly contract your stomach muscles again and exhale. Your stomach muscles should be doing the work of pushing out and pulling in air.
• Do this initially about 50 times; you can increase the number of repetitions as you feel more comfortable with the practice.
• After doing this form of breathing, you will initially feel some soreness around the muscles of your stomach and abdomen. This is normal.
• Practise kapalbhati pranayama once or twice a day in the morning or evening.

Precautions:

• Avoid doing this pranayama before going to bed.
• Practise kapalbhati on an empty stomach at least two hours after your last meal.
• Do not perform this breathing technique if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure or heart disease.
• If you feel any pain, dizziness or nausea while doing the pranayama, discontinue it.

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