ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Kapalabhati

Kapalabhati is a fancy word for a type of breathing exercise.

Do you know how when you blow out candles on a birthday cake, your breath comes out in quick bursts? That's kind of like kapalabhati!

Here's how to do it:

1. Sit down somewhere comfortable with your back straight. You can sit on a cushion or a chair if you'd like.
2. Start by taking a big inhale through your nose.
3. Then, exhale forcefully through your nose in quick bursts. Think of it like you're trying to clean out your nose by blowing hard!
4. As you keep going, your inhales will become shorter and your exhales will become faster.
5. Do this for about 10-20 breaths, then stop and take a normal breath.

People do kapalabhati for lots of different reasons. Some people believe it helps clear out their sinuses, while others think it helps them feel energized or focused. It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, so what works for one person might not work for another.

Before you try kapalabhati, it's always a good idea to check with a grown-up to make sure it's safe for you to do.
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