Back Pain during Kapalbhati Breathing

Back Pain during Kapalbhati Breathing2010-07-02T07:01:07+00:00
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  • bheyde
    Participant
    Post count: 2

    I have been working to improve my Kapalbhati Breathing, but when I do the breathing, I get extreme pain in my mid back. Often, to the point that I have to stop to rest a few counts and re-begin. Has anyone had this problem or know why it may be happening? Perhaps my abdominal muscles are weak? My teacher did confirm that it should not be hurting… Thank you!

    Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
    Forum Owner
    Post count: 3048

    Hi Brandy

    That’s unusual. And you’re right it shouldn’t hurt. I can appreciate some discomfort could be present but extreme pain could indicate a number of things. Let’s see… Are you able to confirm for me how you’re sitting? Are you kneeling as in the regular way this pose is done? When you do so do you feel your back arched or straight? What can you tell me about your arms? Are they straight? Locked out? Your shoulders?

    Namaste
    Gabrielle 🙂

    fraseram
    Participant
    Post count: 356

    did your teacher see and watch your actual breath technique?? could be posture and muscle but too maybe the way u r breathing could be part of it??

    bheyde
    Participant
    Post count: 2

    Thanks for your notes. I tried to pay close attention to the pose in class yesterday so I could describe what I am doing to you, so here goes… We do sit on our knees as shown in the hot yoga manual. My back is straight and tailbone tucked under. I do try to roll my shoulders back, which could perhaps create a bit of an arch? My arms are rested on my legs halfway between my hip and knee. I am still struggling with the breath. At first, I was doing it opposite, basically my stomach was moving out with each exhale, rather than in. But now, I am exhaling while the stomach pulls in. I still find it hard though, so there may be tension in my doing it…? Also, I have not been able to hold my top half straight and only see movement near my stomach, but I have gotten to the point where I at least see movement in my stomach… Does that give any clues? Thanks so much for trying to help!

    Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
    Forum Owner
    Post count: 3048

    Hi Brandy

    It is possible that you have too much arch in your back for this exercise but I cannot be sure from your words. I find it is easier to focus my energies on the exhale breath with more softness in my belly (by tucking the tailbone under a touch and straightening the back).

    Have you tried to sit differently? Perhaps in badokonasana with soles of feet together and knees out to the side. Or even cross legged or in half lotus.

    Give that a go and see if it works.

    Namaste
    Gabrielle 🙂

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