Since the “Ha” Breath is a good technique for beginners to learn kapalabhati, we are using this breath to help with lethargy and bouts of depression. He will begin with 3 rounds of 15, 20, then 25 expulsions. breath is energizing, reduces stress, eliminates carbon dioxide from the lungs, stimulates digestion and immune function, and improves mood.

The goal for this individual is to bring his awareness to and reduce his stress and anxiety levels by using the “Ha” breath for balance. At a minimum, he will practice three rounds a day: 15, 20, and 25 rounds first thing in the morning, afternoon, and early evening to maintain energy levels and anxiety, or when feeling below a 5 on a 1-10 scale.

Male, age 62, glaucoma and Birdshot Uveitis, somewhat limited mobility, with upper body strength. The individual is not very active physically, with the exception of walks on a daily basis. His job is mainly sedentary, and he does not move very frequently during the day while performing work duties. His stress is internalized, and not exhibited to the outside world. He is overweight, but is in the process of losing weight to something more manageable and in line with health standards.

Originally, I planned on working with the client at my house with an outline of our session a week prior to the actual date. I wanted to spend more time discussing the benefits of the Ha breath, and how to incorporate it throughout the day and throughout life. I landed on working with him over several sessions to continue building up the expulsions and comfort level.

Pranayama: supported the goal by practicing the Ha breath and breathing in general throughout the
Asana practice: the yoga postures that assisted with breath and reduction in lethargy; Yamas by being kind to ourselves and not having unrealistic expectations of the breath throughout the practice, and dhyana through a guided meditation by relaxing the mind and continuing to focus on the natural breath. All of these above branches supported the goal related to the key teaching through relaxation.

I was not 100% sure what to expect. The client is not a yoga practitioner on a regular basis, it is extremely intermittent. However, he was willing to take the time to practice and focus on the goal of the session. He stated the breathing helped increase his lung capacity, and he felt more invigorated, yet relaxed after completion of our session.

I subbed the client continue or acting both movement and breath throughout the day, with a focus on continuing the Ha breath several times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) to assist with lethargy and depression. The movement was suggested due to his sedentary lifestyle. As of now, we plan on continuing to meet once per week to work on the breath and the movement.

Yes, I applied the intended plan of the Ha breath, but did not include enough of the benefits when speaking with the client. I discussed some of the benefits, demonstrated each round prior to practicing, and counted the expulsions using my fingers so he was able to follow along and keep track of his own expulsions. We had a nice inhale and slow extended exhale after each round, and then a few natural breaths. Upon completion of our session, we talked about the Ha breathing technique and the affects on his body, along with the entire session. I believe a follow up is necessary to see if he is continuing his own practice and to see if he has any further questions or concerns.

Yes, I had to adapt some of my plan because of the curiosity of the dogs. I learned to go with it, laugh it off, and continue moving forward.

Yes, I would continue to face the same situation in the same way if it occurs again in the future. Overall, everything went as planned, with the exception of discussing the benefits and a more concrete plan on how to continue use to add more expulsions and how to add them. I think for the client to continue in the future, it may be helpful to have a few suggestions in writing and have a follow up phone call or discussion that works best for both parties, maybe even a follow up session if they are so inclined.