Believe it or not, your stomach is the center of your well-being.

A clean and healthy stomach helps avoid many major diseases and issues. Not only that, it helps you strengthen your overall immune system as well. With this simple breathing exercise, learn how your belly can prove beneficial for your entire body. Better known as Kapalabhati, this kind of controlled breathing induces the diaphragm to pull itself inwards towards the spine.

1. You begin by sitting straight, preferably cross-legged, on the floor. Place your palms facing upwards on your knees and keep your spine erect.

2. Take a deep breath and then breathe in and out so quickly that your belly and diaphragm contract and expand in quick succession. You can slowly increase the frequency of breathing in and out, without straining yourself.

This exercise helps the body to take in a good amount of oxygen that increases blood circulation. Since it involves rapid movements, it helps the body to sweat out the toxins and cleanse itself. It regulates the digestive and nervous systems. Begin by doing it for 3 minutes and then increase the time to 15 minutes at a stretch, to keep the mind and body free of a host of diseases.

With SBI General’s #7MinutesToGoodHealth, we wish to empower your health with ways that are quick, effective and offer utmost convenience. Try these simple breathing exercises today.