Kapalabhati, the breath of fire, on iPhone
Last updated 2 June 2026
Kapalabhati, sometimes called the skull-shining breath or breath of fire, is a rapid pranayama: short, sharp exhales from the belly with passive inhales between them. It is energising rather than calming, a wake-up rather than a wind-down. On the iPhone, Sunholm guides the pace, fully offline.
How kapalabhati works
The work is in the exhale: a quick, active pull of the belly pushes air out in short bursts, and the inhale happens on its own as the belly relaxes. A round is a set of these pumps followed by a rest. It tends to leave you alert and clear-headed, which is why people use it in the morning or before focus, not before sleep. Build up gently and stop if you feel light-headed.
Pacing it with Sunholm
Keeping a fast, even rhythm by yourself is hard. Sunholm sets the pace with a calm visualisation, runs entirely on your iPhone so it works offline, and uses no third-party ads or tracking. Kapalabhati is one of nine techniques; it is a premium unlock, and the app is free to download with optional in-app purchases.
How it compares
| What helps | Sunholm | Unguided |
|---|---|---|
| Sets the rapid exhale rhythm | Yes | No |
| Counts rounds and rest for you | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Yes | Varies |
| No third-party tracking | Yes | Varies |
| More techniques included | Eight more | No |
Frequently asked questions
What is kapalabhati?
A rapid pranayama, also called the skull-shining breath or breath of fire: short, active exhales from the belly with passive inhales between them. It is energising rather than calming.
Is kapalabhati good before sleep?
No. It is energising, better for the morning or before focus. For winding down, a long-exhale technique like 4-7-8 fits better.
Is there a guided kapalabhati app for iPhone?
Yes. Sunholm paces kapalabhati along with eight other techniques, runs fully offline, and uses no third-party ads or tracking.
Is Sunholm free?
Sunholm is free to download with optional in-app purchases. Three of the nine techniques are free; kapalabhati is a premium unlock.
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Sunholm offers general wellbeing and relaxation guidance, not medical advice or treatment for any condition. If a symptom is persistent, speak with a clinician.