Can I Do Kapalbhati With Mouth Breathing?

by Hema
(MAURITIUS)

I am hema and I have respiratory problems since childhood. I breathe by mouth and hence I snore. In kapalbhati, we have to do exhaling by nose and inhaling by nose itself but I am not able to do inhaling by nose as I breath normally by mouth.
Should I breathe by mouth during kapalbhati? Is this correct?



Answer

You must not breathe by mouth during kapalabhati.

Mouth breathing can cause sleep apnea, snoring, lethargy and low energy levels. Mouth breathing can be due to blocked nasal passages or it can be habitual. Consult your doctor to rule out any medical problem which may result in mouth breathing.

For getting rid of mouth breathing, become aware of your breath, and pay attention to your breathing. Consciously, make efforts to breathe through your nose wherever possible.

Practice alom vilom, bhramri, kapalabhati and bhastrika pranayama keeping your mouth closed while concentrating on your breath. Practice shavasana for relaxation and aum recitation for increased concentration. Gradually increase the duration of pranayama.

Regards
Daljit