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The main pranayama techniques are nine in number. Namely,  
 
The main pranayama techniques are nine in number. Namely,  
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# Nadi shodhana
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# Nadi shodhana: A is a practice whereby the pranic channels are purified and regulated, it is a prelude to all the other Pranayamas.
 
# Bhastrika
 
# Bhastrika
 
# Kapalbhati (also a shatkarma)
 
# Kapalbhati (also a shatkarma)
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Kapalabhati is an important part of Shatkarma or Shatkriya, the yogic system of body cleansing techniques.<ref name=":4" /> The speciality of Kapalabhati is that it cleanses both the body and the mind using just the breath. It is highly useful for mind detoxification and purification. Another interesting factor is that Kapalabhati reverses the normal course of breathing making expiration an active process and inspiration a passive process. This is believed to induce the reverse flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain facilitating the stimulation and awakening of the [[Chakras (चक्राणि)|centers]].<ref name=":3" /> Kapalabhati also improves digestion and increases Agni.<ref name=":8" />
 
Kapalabhati is an important part of Shatkarma or Shatkriya, the yogic system of body cleansing techniques.<ref name=":4" /> The speciality of Kapalabhati is that it cleanses both the body and the mind using just the breath. It is highly useful for mind detoxification and purification. Another interesting factor is that Kapalabhati reverses the normal course of breathing making expiration an active process and inspiration a passive process. This is believed to induce the reverse flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain facilitating the stimulation and awakening of the [[Chakras (चक्राणि)|centers]].<ref name=":3" /> Kapalabhati also improves digestion and increases Agni.<ref name=":8" />
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Kapalabhati is particularly useful for spiritual aspirants as it arrests sensory distractions, thoughts, visions and mental chatter, calming the mind in preparation for meditation. At the same time, it energizes the mind so one is not overcome by sleep while sitting for meditation.<ref name=":9" />
    
=== Balancing Pranayama ===
 
=== Balancing Pranayama ===

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