Even though Kapaalabhati is classified as a form of Pranayama, it is hardly similar to the other forms of Pranayama. In essence, it remains a process of purifying the nerves and cleansing the body of Kapha. Not only is it a process of cleansing the Nadis, it is also a practice of considerable spiritual value. It is to be noted that this exercise does not include the practice of Kumbhaka. Rechaka is the principle part of this exercise while the Puraka is supplementary.

The physiological benefits of this exercise are that it helps in the elimination of great quantities of carbon dioxide. Also, copious amount of oxygen is absorbed in the system. Even as one's blood becomes richer, all the tissues of the body are also regenerated. This exercise has no equal for enhancing oxygenation. All ailments arising from cold are eliminated and even the perennial foe of robust health-old age finds its onset being checked.

Amongst other benefits of this exercise is its ability to awaken the nerve-centers. It also makes the practice of substantial Pranayama more efficient by quieting the respiratory center. A few rounds of Kapalabhati needs to be performed daily before proceeding to the higher reaches of Pranayama. A mere five minutes of this practice is sufficient to induce a state of trance in order to make one an adept in this practice. 

However, before going into the procedure, a few notes of caution are in order. One must ensure that the speed of Kapaalabhati must not be increased at the cost of thoroughness. One needs to begin at the rate of one expulsion every second, this practice is also to be increased to two every second. One hundred and twenty per minute is an excellent rate for a normal person. This practice may be increased to the rate of two hundred a minute. It must be kept in mind that if this limit is exceeded, the expirations would become so shallow that their efficiency would be entirely lost. The Vigour of these expulsions needs to be maintained at all costs. Also, the speed should not become so much as to reduce the Vigour of the abdominal contractions. The degree of the Vigour, the speed, the number of expulsions to be done in a single round, the number of rounds in one setting and the total amount of exercise done in one day need to be determined carefully by the practitioner.

Method: 

The methodology to be followed is similar to that followed in the case of Bhastrika. Here the inhalation remains slow even as the exhalation is much more vigorous. There needs to be retention for one split second after each and every out breath.

However, people who must not engage in this practice are those with weak constitutions and poor lung capacity, people with high or low blood-pressures, those suffering from bleeding of nose or throbbing or aching of the ears. Also, the moment one feels any sort of strain or irritation or if the sound of the out breath seems to be incorrect, the practice needs to be stopped as in the case of Bhastrika.