t’s the first week of April, and in the Philippines, that means summer is officially here. With the temperatures rising, it’s time to find ways to cool down and stay comfortable. As a Kundalini yoga teacher, I want to share a simple yet powerful breathing technique called Sitali Pranayam that can help you beat the heat.
Sitali Pranayam is a special way of breathing that helps cool your body and calm your mind.
Sitalii Pranayam is great for when you feel overheated or stressed. Regular practice of this breathwork can even boost your energy and help detoxify your body. Ancient yogic texts even attribute benefits like reduced fever, improved autonomic functions, and relief from stress and anxiety to this pranayam.
This is how to do Sitali Pranayam: Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with your spine straight. Curl your tongue lengthwise and protrude it slightly past the lips (if you cannot curl your tongue, stick it out flat). Inhale deeply through the curled tongue. Close your mouth and exhale through your nose. Continue this cycle for 5 minutes or longer as needed. Then inhale, suspend the breath, pull in the tongue, then exhale and relax.
At first, you might notice a bitter taste, which is just your body cleansing itself. As you keep practicing, the taste will become sweeter.
With the Sitali Pranayam and these simple tips, you can stay cool and enjoy the season. Try incorporating them into your daily routine and see how much better you feel.
In loving service,
Rosan
