Discover this ancient yoga technique:

Cooling Breath (Sheetali)

August has arrived, and you know what that means - the dog days of summer are here. I'm here to equip you with a powerful tool to beat the heat – your breath!

Today, we're diving deeper into the world of "Cooling Breath" or, in Sanskrit, Sheetali. It's a time-tested yogic technique that can cool your body and calm your mind.

There's more to this ancient technique than meets the eye; before teaching you how to do it, let's explore its fascinating origin and scientific basis.

The Origin of Sheetali Breath:

The practice of Sheetali Breath traces its roots back to the ancient science of yoga. In Sanskrit, "sheetali" means "cold" or "frigid." This breath technique lives up to its name by cooling you down from the inside out.

Our yogi ancestors developed this practice to beat the heat during scorching summers, and today, it remains a valuable asset in our wellness toolkit.

The Science Behind Cooling Breath:

Sheetali Breath may seem simple, but its effects on the body are anything but ordinary.

When you roll your tongue and inhale through it, the air passing over your tongue gets moistened and cooled. This cooling sensation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" response, which helps reduce stress and increase relaxation.

In addition, the controlled breathwork improves respiratory function and enhances the body's ability to cope with heat, making it perfect for the summer months.

How to Perform Sheetali Breath:

Now, let's get practical, and let me guide you through the steps of this cooling breath technique.

Sheetali requires the ability to roll your tongue by curling the lateral edges upward to form a tube. Did you know that only 7 in 10 people can roll their tongues?

So if you have that ability, join me for the Sheetali breath:

• Find a comfortable seated position with your spine straight and tall and your shoulders relaxed.
• Stick your tongue out and curl the sides of your tongue together so it looks like a tube.
• Inhale deeply and slowly through the rolled tongue as if sipping air through a straw.
• At the top of the inhale, draw your tongue in, close your mouth, and hold your breath for a second or two.
• Then slowly exhale through your nose.

This represents one cycle of the cooling breath. Repeat this cycle for 7-10 rounds, gradually increasing the number of rounds as you become more familiar with the practice.

Now that you are equipped with this cooling breath technique, enjoy the dog days of summer!

Best, Christine

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