Shitali breathing to combat heatwave

Shitali breathing helps you reduce heat stroke.

In summer, the heatwave is omnipresent and does not let go of us. Headaches, thirst, nausea, dizziness... the symptoms of heatstroke are not far away. So, yes, it is very important to hydrate yourself well. However, sometimes that is not enough to feel better. Are you dreaming of a miracle cure to no longer suffer from the heatwave? Well, we have found the solution. Sitali yoga breathing , linked to the art of yoga, is an excellent and simple way to cool down your body and mind. More experienced yogis may already know it! In this article, we explain how to put this hatha yoga breathing into practice.

Why does shitali breathing refresh the body and mind?

You must be wondering how a simple breath can cool the body. It is a kind of natural air conditioning. Just like birds open their beaks to cool their bodies, humans can do the same thing. By inhaling through the mouth, air enters. And thanks to the tube formed, you salivate more. The oral cavity and throat are cooled. Subsequently, the air is propelled towards the palate in connection with the nasal cavity. The breath will stimulate the central nuclei located in the brain which are the thermostat used to regulate the body temperature. Thus, you avoid headaches due to heat. But, that's not all!

From a more spiritual point of view, this refreshing yoga breathing also helps to cool the mind by promoting the circulation of Prana energy (vital energy) throughout the body. You will be relaxed and recharged!

How to perform shitali pranayama?

Shitali hatha yoga breathing is performed by following several specific steps:

• First, get into a comfortable sitting position (for example on a meditation cushion ),
• Stick out your tongue and form a tube with it (lengthwise),
• Breathe in gently through your mouth and bring the breath towards your lower abdomen and then your rib cage (and towards other areas where you feel hot),
• Exhale calmly and at length through your nose,
• Then repeat at least 10 to 15 times. Avoid this cooling pranayama in winter, if you are asthmatic, have toothache, cold and sore throat.

What to do if you can't practice Shitali pranayama?

You can't get into Shitali position ? Don't panic! Only 2/3 of the population can do it, because it's genetic. But don't get discouraged! For every problem, there's a solution. In this case, practice Shitkari breathing . But how to do it?

• Glue your upper and lower teeth,
• Open and stretch your lips,
• Place your tongue against your teeth,
• Inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose, mobilizing your abdomen and chest,
• Bring the breath to the areas where heat accumulates,
• Continue for at least 10 to 15 cycles.

If you would like to discover other breathing exercises (Pranayama), read the book Respire available in the Tayronalife store.