It is sometimes treated as a kriya or 'cleansing action' along with kapalabhati to clear the airways in preparation for other pranayama techniques.
Bhastrika involves a rapid and forceful process of inhalation and exhalation powered by the movement of the diaphragm.
B. K. S. Iyengar explains that the similar "process or kriyā of kapālabhāti is a milder form of Bhastrikā Prāṇāyāma.
[2] Swami Sivananda describes the process: "inhale and exhale quickly ten times like the bellows of the blacksmith.
[3] The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states that this Pranayama should be performed plentifully, for it breaks the three psychic knots and awakens Kundalini quickly.