Review Article

Kapalabhati: A physiological healer in human

physiological system
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Mansi Vaid, Sanjay Verma

Department of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Abstract The purpose of this article is to aware people about the yogic technique of Kapalabhati and its benefits. It clearly
explains how Kapalabhati helps in prevention and cure of various health issues in different physiological systems
in the human body. This review focuses on the role of kapalabhati in maintaining the normal functioning of organs
and its contribution to curing different ailments in the human body. All the information that is given in this article
is consulted from different websites, journal articles, and books and is written in a way suitable for reading even
to the common public. The review discloses that Kapalabhati is that high-frequency breathing exercise, which
promotes overall well-being and cures diseases. This study mainly focuses on cure of number of illnesses caused
due to unhealthy living habits, impurities and different types of pollutants present in the environment, and inhalation
of harmful nanoparticles and other factors responsible for creating severe to major problems in the human body.
Kapalabhati works in a curative and revolutionary way to cope with the health issues and improves the overall
function of the body.

Key Words: Ailment, Kapalabhati, nanoparticles, nervous system, respiratory system, skin

Address for correspondence:

Mr. Sanjay Verma, Department of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
E-mail: sanjayverma000005@gmail.com
Submitted: 13-Apr-2021 Revised: 01-Jun-2021 Accepted: 02-Jun-2021 Published: 21-Jul-2021

INTRODUCTION “Shatkarma” or a cleansing technique (Monkbot, n.d.). In this

Breathing or respiration is a vital process in the human body. Its
primary function is to provide oxygen to all body organs so that
they can function properly (Joshi, 2019). This occurs by inhalation
of oxygen through respiratory tract into the network of blood
vessels and exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other waste
products out of the body.
The Kapalabhati is categorized under “Pranayama.” Here,
“Prana” means “breathe” and “Yama” means control (Joshi,
2019). However, yogic text “Hatha Yoga Pradeepika” and
“Gheranda Samhita” included it in “Shatkarma” (Yogic Way
of Life, 2019). In “Hatha Yoga Pradeepika,” Kapalabhati is
also named as “breathe of fire.” It is described as an important
yogic technique of Kapalabhati, inhalation is involuntary whereas
exhalation is forceful (Joshi, 2019; Aggarwal, 2009; Gokhale,
2018; Muktibodhananda, 1998). The focus of this yoga is entirely
on forceful exhalation where inhalation is a subsequent natural
reflex.
The word Kapalabhati is derived from two words “Kapala” means
“skull and the organ inside it” and “Bhati” meaning “illuminating”
or “shine” (MysticalBee, n.d.; Bryant, 2015; Ayurveda Yogashram,
n.d.; Yogaoutlet, 2015).
The Kapalabhati tones up abdominal muscles, plays an extremely
vital role in purifying the blood, and also redresses most of
the organ functions (Ansari, 2016). This yogic exercise is a

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10.4103/ym.ym_28_21 How to cite this article: Vaid M, Verma S. Kapalabhati: A physiological
healer in human physiological system. Yoga Mimamsa 2021;53:69-74.

© 2021 Yoga Mīmāṃsā | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 69

 Vaid and Verma: Kapalabhati a physiological healer
traditional internal purification practice which cleanses the
internal physiological system, especially respiratory and nervous
system, by encouraging the release of toxins and waste matter.
It acts as a tonic for the system, refreshing and rejuvenating the
body and mind.
Aim and objective
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The aim of this study is to make detailed understanding of the
working of Kapalabhati in curing various diseases and ailments in
various physiological systems of the body caused due to different
external and internal factors.
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KAPALABHATI AND ITS IMPACT ON NERVOUS
SYSTEM
The human nervous system primarily consists of two parts:
(1) central nervous system that includes brain and spinal cord and
(2) peripheral nervous system that includes network of nerves in
the entire body (Gordon, 2013; Ratini, 2020; Kaur, 2014). All
the functions of the human body are controlled and coordinated
by the brain. It is a bridge that connects mind with physical body
(Saraswati, 1981).
Brain contributes only 2% in total body weight (Heymfield, 2009)
but consumes 20% of total oxygen we inhale (Newman, 2017).
Hence, supply of oxygen is the food for the brain and is responsible
for its functioning and aliveness of the body.
The process through which the oxygen and other important
nutrients are provided to the brain through blood via network of
blood vessels (arteries) is called cerebral circulation (Kinman,
2016). There are basically two main arteries named as internal
carotid arteries and vertebral arteries that are branched supply
blood from heart to the brain. Jugular vein collects deoxygenated
blood from brain and drains it into the heart (B. Rivard, 2020).
The cerebral blood flow is altered with change in viscosity of
blood, diameter of blood vessels, and cerebral perfusion pressure.
Cerebral blood vessels are able to change the flow of blood through
them by altering their diameters in a process called autoregulation:
in which the vessels constrict when systemic blood pressure is
raised and dilate when it is lowered.
The blood vessels/arteries of the brain dilate in response to high
level of CO2 in the blood and constrict in response to lower level
of CO2 (Mj, Control of Cerebral Blood Flow, 2009; Fantini, 2016).
A study conducted in 2018 proved that the yogic technique
Kapalabhati influences cerebral blood flow. It included a sample
size of 18 people which were subjected to do three yoga
techniques including Kapalabhati. The variable studied was the
cerebrovascular hemodynamic change using transcranial Doppler.
It was observed that by practice of 1 min of Kapalabhati, cerebral
blood flow decreased (Nivethitha, Mooventhan, Krishnamurthy,
& Bathala, 2017).
70
Another case study was performed in 1991 that demonstrated
the role of Kapalabhati in increasing the blood pressure (Kuna,
Vishnudevananda, & Dostalek, 1991). The test was conducted on
24 people performing Kapalabhati for 15 min. The vitals observed
were respiratory and cardiovascular rhythmicities. It was noted
that after a single session for 15 minutes of Kapalabhati, the blood
pressure of people increased.
In postindustrialization world, since 1960s, the air we breathe is
significantly influenced by the pollution, impurities, and toxins
present in our surroundings. It is polluted with the number of
harmful gases such as CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide
(SO2), and various other substances or nanoparticles that are
harmful for our body and brain (Peeples, 2020).
Usually, when these harmful toxins enter in our body, they
cannot easily affect us because of our various protection systems
such as our immune system and the blood–brain barrier, whose
function is to prevent circulation of toxins in the body (Gotz,
2017).
Our body also flushes out CO2 when we exhale, and toxins are
also released through number of processes in the body. Kidney
also plays a vital role in filtration and releasing toxins from the
body (Blantz, 2007).
However, the much tiny particles also called as nanoparticles
are dangerous to our system. These can not only enter into the
body but also into the brain directly via olfactory lobes through
inhalation of air by the nostrils (Rajvanshi, 2018).
The substances and toxins that cannot be filtered and removed start
to get accumulated in the body and brain and cause various health
problems. These particles are detrimental to the central nervous
system, psychomotor development, and normal functioning and
also lead to decline in memory, Alzheimer, dementias, stress,
spectrum disorder, hyperactivity disorder, etc. (Bert, 2018). Here
comes the role of Kapalabhati.
Kapalabhati is also called as skull-shining technique because it
makes our skull shine by polishing its functions. It is forceful
and fast exhalation technique creates a Venturi effect that in
turn creates vacuum in the nasal passage that takes away all
the impurities from the brain as well as from the body which
cannot be flushed out by normal exhalation and other toxin
elimination system (Rajvanshi, 2018). When all the toxins
are removed, our brain functions more effectively. The blood
supply increases, releases more CO2, and avoids vascular
changes in brain.
Kapalabhati helps in reducing stress level (Nivethitha, 2016). It
activates the nerve cells, improves memory, provides a sense
of balance, and also improves concentration power (CT, 2018).
Kapalabhati is also great for focus and forgetfulness (Saxena,
2018). Kapalabhati favorably affects the functioning of whole
brain but mostly is beneficial for frontal lobe.
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 Vaid and Verma: Kapalabhati a physiological healer
A recent study has shown that doing Kapalabhati pranayama
increased attention with reduction in anxiety levels (Kuna,
Vishnudevananda, & Dostalek, 1991). A sample size of 61
people was repeatedly measured during a session of 18 min doing
Kapalabhati exercise. These people were subjected to six-letter
cancelation task and Spielberger’s state trait anxiety inventory-S.
The results showed reduced anxiety and improved attention level
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in the experimented people.
Hence, the yogic technique of Kapalabhati pranayama has turned
out to be a revolutionary technique for overall well-being. It has
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surfeit of benefits and is a wonderful solution for many physical
and mental ailments.
KAPALABHATI AND ITS IMPACT ON SKIN
Air pollutants such as CO, SO2, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, ultraviolet radiation,
volatile organic compounds, and cigarette smoke are extensively
present in the environment of urban and rural setting. They
can cause short-term and long-term damage to the humans.
Such harmful pollutants can enter body through inhalation
and can spread via systemic circulation of blood or via direct
transcutaneous uptake (Araviiskaia, 2019).
The largest organ in the human body is skin (Nunez, 2020).
It communicates with the surrounding environment and
responds to it (Montagna, 1974). It is divided into two major
layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Outer layer - epidermis
has five sublayers. The lower layer dermis has blood vessels,
connective tissue, lymphatic vessels, nerve ending, and hairs.
Epidermis is provided with nutrient and oxygen by the blood
vascular system present in dermis and it also contributes in its
detoxification (Dijkhoff et al., 2020; Kaur, 2014). Epidermis
acts as a protective shield as it protects the different tissues
and nerves beneath it.
In highly impermeable human skin, the harmful particles that are
much smaller in size (like nanoparticles [~40 nm] in diameter and
smaller) successfully penetrate the skin. They diffuse through skin
cells. Some will travel down hair follicles and reach the dermis
layer (Cewbot, n.d.). Numerous skin problems can arise because
of interaction of skin with the pollutants which include premature
aging, eczema, and inflammation (Awair, 2019; Haobijam, 2018).
These also cause allergic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis,
psoriasis, or acne. These harmful foreign substances can also cause
skin cancer which is a life-threatening disease.
Generally, during respiration, it is not essential to put efforts in
exhalation, but Kapalabhati requires rapid and forceful exhalation
with both nostrils alternatively. In Kapalabhati, breathing rate
and mental state are interconnected by voluntary and forceful
exhalation breathing pattern. This forceful exhalation results in
flushing out of toxins from body as well as the skin which helps
to attain younger and clearer skin by improving blood flow to
the nerves present underneath the skin. Thus, it helps in skin cell
Yoga Mīmāṃsā | Volume 53 | Issue 1 | January-June 2021
renewal (Gajendra, 2016). Proper circulation and flushing out
of toxins from the skin heal skin infections and allergies such as
acne, eczema, and inflammation.
In normal exhalation, CO2 is released in an average amount;
however, in Kapalabhati, it is released in high amount. Moreover,
this CO 2 is brought by the blood capillaries derived from
pulmonary artery, which carry deoxygenated blood enrich with
CO2 collected from the cells and tissues of the body to the alveoli
of the lungs. After passing different respiratory organ, it is released
from the nostrils. From the blood capillaries where CO2 has high
pressure, they move into alveoli because of low pressure of CO2
in the alveoli through the process of diffusion (Kartika, 2006).
Normal breathing does not allow all the impurities, pollutants,
and toxins to be expelled out, but kapalabhati i.e. the forceful
exhalation helps us in pushing out those substances and impurities
that otherwise may lead to various skin problems. The cells in the
skin like other cells are completely dependent upon the oxygen for
their survival and proper functioning (Saraswati, 1981). Hence,
when more CO2 and other impurities are expelled out with the help
of Kapalabhati, it results in good blood flow enriched with oxygen
provided to the nerves underneath the skin cells (Fit India, n.d.).
Thus, when more oxygen is provided to the skin, the function of
skin cells obviously improves and the result is healing of various
skin allergies and making the skin healthy, clear, and glowing.
KAPALABHATI AND ITS IMPACT ON
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Our respiratory system plays a very important role in the
acquisition of oxygen and elimination of CO2 (Beers, n.d.).
C6H12O6 + 6[O2] = 6[CO2] + 6[H2O] + ATP
[GLUCOSE]+ [OXYGEN] = [CARBON DIOXIDE] + [WATER]
+ [ENERGY, i.e., ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE]
The equation shows how nutrients like glucose are converted to
cellular energy in the form of ATP. All living beings including
human need oxygen to metabolize nutrients to produce energy
and CO2 is produced as a waste product (Kaiser, 2021). Even each
cell of the human body requires oxygen to breathe, burning fuel,
generating energy, and giving off CO2. Oxygen enters the body
when we breathe. This process is known as cellular respiration.
It depends on the exchange of gases i.e. moving oxygen from the
atmosphere to lungs, to blood, and then to cells, and synchronously
moving CO2 from cell to blood, to lungs, and finally to the
atmosphere. (Coulter, 2004). Respiratory system consists of nose,
pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and lungs
(Longdum, n.d.).
The respiratory system starts at the nose and mouth and continues
through the airways and the lungs (Longdum, n.d.). Breathing
starts when we inhale air into our nose or mouth and it travels
down the back of throat and into the windpipe and finally to the
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 Vaid and Verma: Kapalabhati a physiological healer
alveoli, which is divided into air passage called bronchial tubes.
Lungs can perform their best when these airways are properly
open and free from inflammation or swelling and extra mucus
(Ratini, 2019). When we breathe through nose, it filters, warms
or cools as needed, and humidifies the breath (Rosen, 2002). As
the bronchial tubes pass through the lungs, they get divided into
smaller air passages called bronchioles, and end in tiny balloon-
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like air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli are surrounded by a mesh of
tiny blood vessels called capillaries (Klocke, et al., 2020). Here,
oxygen from inhaled air passes into blood. Alveoli are the site of
gaseous exchange. Tiny hairs, called cilia along our air passage,
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move in a sweeping motion to keep the passage clean, filtering
out dust and other particles that enters through inhalation (Hirsch,
2019; Rosen, 2002). However, if we inhale harmful particles found
in cigarette smoke, polluted air, etc., the cilia can stop working.
Many conditions can affect the organs and tissues that makeup the
respiratory system. Some conditions can arise from the irritants
we breathe in from the air, including viruses or bacteria that cause
infection (Professional, 2020).
Ambient air pollutants such as ozone, oxides of nitrogen, SO2
and particulate matter are also associated with adverse health
effects. All these viruses, bacteria, and ambient air pollutants have
shown increased incidence or worsening of asthma and increased
risk of developing allergic diseases, respiratory symptoms, and
respiratory tract infections (Limaye, 2010).
Many diseases are caused or at least aggravated by faulty breathing
or by inhaling impure air. These include bronchitis, pulmonary
tuberculosis, and large number of other ailments directly caused
by “starving our body of the oxygen nourishment” that is needs
as a result of shallow respiration (Saraswati, 1981). Many
mechanisms can affect respiratory function, but one of the most
dangerous is the reaction of oxidants and pro-oxidants present in
the environment. These are the pollutants or particulate matter
of various sizes and compositions and the gases such as O3 and
nitrogen oxides. Once they are in contact with the respiratory
epithelium, they cause the formation of oxygen and nitrogen-
free radicles which in turn induce oxidative stress in the airways
(Arbex, 2012). Lung capacity, the amount of air that our lungs
can hold, is also affected by the condition like chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (Gotter, 2018).
Hence, to cope up with these respiratory-related problems,
Kapalabhati plays a significant role by cleaning out the lungs.
The technique of Kapalabhati involves forceful breathing in
which concentration is on forceful exhalation which strengthens
lungs and increased its capacity (Saxena, 2018). Kapalabhati is
invigorating and warming. It helps to cleanse the lungs, sinuses,
and respiratory system which can help to prevent illness and
allergies (Yogaoutlet, 2015). It improves the elasticity of lungs
and makes oxygen and CO2 exchange more efficient. It should
certainly be practiced by those people who suffer from respiratory
ailments such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. Those who suffer
from asthma and emphysema had to forcefully respire air in and
out of their lungs because of their medical condition. This tends to
72
induce severe muscular tiredness. Kapalabhati, practiced at times
other than during an attack, may be useful in making respiratory
muscles stronger, as well as improving the general tone of lungs.
Kapalabhati is seen to remove spasm in bronchial tubes. CO2 is
eliminated on a large scale and impurities of the blood are thrown
out because of forceful exhalation in Kapalabhati (Bryant, 2015).
A study published in 2016 tested 60 asthma patients practicing
Kapalabhati and deep breathing for 10 min in a session. There
pulmonary functions were tracked using spirometry. The result
showed that Kapalabhati exercise enhanced there forced vital
capacity, forced expiratory volumes, and its ratios in lungs of
asthma patients (Raghavendra, Shetty, Shetty, Manjunath, &
Saoji, 2016). Thus, the limited available evidence on effects of
yogic breathing on respiratory system indicates a positive trend
of change in the respiratory physiology. (Saoji, Raghavendra, &
Manjunath, 2019).
Pulmonary function tests provide important clinical information to
identify and quantify the defects and abnormalities in the functioning
of the respiratory system. Spirometry is the basic and useful method
available for evaluating these pulmonary function parameters.
CONCLUSION
In the present times, our environment is full of pollutants and
contaminating gases that affect human health badly. Harmful
foreign particles can enter our body with the inhalation of air.
Those particles which our body fails to eliminate can cause
many problems. The problem actually begins when these toxins
start to accumulate. Where they accumulate, normal functioning
of the organ is disturbed. Hence, it is important to eliminate all
the harmful particles and toxins from the physiological system
to maintain normal and healthy functioning of the organs, as
well as to prevent different types of diseases and infections. This
article explains how inhalation of impure air interferes with the
mechanism and processes of our body, causing various health
issues and how Kapalabhati pranayama can cure and prevent
them. With help of the available literature review, it is found
that Kapalabhati first prevents various ailments by inhibiting
the accumulation of the harmful particles or toxins in the body
which can cause a disease or any other health related problems.
This is done by forceful exhalation during Kapalabhati which
sucks out all the toxins from the body, thus preventing large
number of diseases, infections and ailments of nervous system,
respiratory system, and skin. This is not possible with normal
breathing. Second, Kapalabhati removes the substance that is the
root cause of a disease and enables the normal functioning of that
part or organ in the body. Kapalabhati works magically in curing
critical diseases without the use of medicines also preventing
their side effects.
Recommendations
• It is recommended to practice yogic technique of Kapalabhati
pranayama for overall well-being
Yoga Mīmāṃsā | Volume 53 | Issue 1 | January-June 2021
 Vaid and Verma: Kapalabhati a physiological healer
• Kapalabhati should be performed to have a healthy life style
• It is best recommended for the people with various respiratory
problems including asthma and bronchitis to improve their
condition
• It is excellent remedy for skin related problems and has the
ability to cure them
• It also does tremendous work in rectifying the functioning of
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the nervous system and curing its large number of disorders.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
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Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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Yoga Mīmāṃsā | Volume 53 | Issue 1 | January-June 2021