SITALI PRANAYAMA
Feeling hot and bothered?! If the heat of Summer, your temperament or hot flushes are making you want to cool down – fast! - then you might benefit from this simple yoga breathing technique called Sitali Pranayama.
Sitali Pranayama COOLS AND CALMS THE MIND AND BODY, clearing heat with cool breath.
How to do it: Roll your tongue until the outer edges touch, forming a tube. I know, not everyone can do that! If you can’t roll your tongue, make an oval shape with your mouth instead, keeping your tongue flat-ish. Inhale through your mouth, slowly, steadily, to the count of four, as if you were drawing in air through a straw. Pause, close your mouth, bringing the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Feel the coolness of the inhalation in your month for a couple of counts, then exhale through the nose to the count of four. Pause for one or two counts. Repeat five to ten times or as needed.
If you feel light-headed, nauseous, unpleasant or anxious trying this Pranayama, please stop! Simple! You could try again by altering the length of the in and out breaths and forget the pauses, see if that suits you better.
Pranayama can have a strong calming effect which may make you feel a little sleepy.
DO NOT try breath altering practices if you suffer from blood pressure issues, are pregnant, while driving or operating machinery. Other health conditions that mean breathing practices shouldn't be attempted include diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy + vertigo. If in doubt, please consult your GP before performing any yoga breathing exercises, particularly avoiding the holding of the breath when pregnant.