Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Vidya Malavade Highlights Kumbhak’s Potential Benefits for Morning Wellness
Kumbhak is a yoga practice where a person gently holds their breath.
Vidya Malavade discussed it in a social media post.
One type involves holding the breath after breathing in.
Another type involves holding it after breathing out.
Experts say breathwork may help people feel calmer and more focused.
It may also support comfortable breathing and morning alertness.
They suggested practicing it within about 30 minutes of waking.
People should ask a health professional for advice before starting a new breathing routine.
Vidya Malavade described kumbhak as a yogic breathwork practice involving intentional breath retention.
She identified antarkumbhak as holding the breath after inhaling and bahya kumbhak as holding it after exhaling.
Yoga instructor Saurabh Bothra said kumbhak may support lung capacity, mental focus, nervous-system calm, and morning energy.
Dr Deepti Sinha said relaxed nasal breathing, breath retention, and belly breathing can promote respiratory comfort and concentration.
Experts recommended practicing breathwork soon after waking, while advising people to consult a health practitioner before beginning a routine.
- Who
- Actor Vidya Malavade, yoga instructor Saurabh Bothra, and Dr Deepti Sinha discussed kumbhak and morning breathwork.
- What
- The discussion focused on intentional breath retention and related breathing techniques, including their possible effects on focus, calmness, and respiratory comfort.
- When
- Malavade shared the comments in her latest social media post; experts discussed practicing breathwork within 30 minutes of waking.
- Where
- Malavade’s social media post and expert commentary published by indianexpress.com; Dr Sinha is identified with CK Birla Hospital in Delhi.
- Why
- The practice was presented as a way to begin the day calmly, improve focus, and support overall wellbeing.
- Practice
- Kumbhak is intentional breath retention in yoga.
- Antarkumbhak
- Holding the breath after inhaling.
- Bahya kumbhak
- Holding the breath after exhaling.
- Reported benefits
- Possible support for lung capacity, mental focus, nervous-system calm, and morning alertness.
- Suggested timing
- Within 30 minutes of waking.
- Related techniques
- Relaxed nose breathing and belly breathing.
- Safety advice
- Consult a health practitioner before starting a new routine.