Light Your Fire With A Breath

The so-called “breath of fire” is a key ingredient in a kundalini yoga practice. The breath of fire (also known as kapalabhati) involves a rapid breathing from the diaphragm. When you first try the breath of fire, open your mouth and pant like a dog. The breathing should be rapid, and your belly should swell outward on each inhale and press back towards the spine on each exhale. Once you get the hang of it, close your mouth and continue the rapid, diaphragmatic breathing at the same rate, with the same belly movements. During a kundalini class, students perform the breath of fire while performing other movements, such as scissoring the legs while lying on the back.