Yoga Breath to Stay Cool:
JoyFull Living by Louise Lavergne
first printed in Jacksonville Review July 2009
Yes it’s hot out there, finally, but not too hot for yoga. The heat can help relax muscles during stretches but, ultimately when we feel too hot to move, we need to cool down. There is a yogic breathing technique that has a cooling effect on the body called Sitali Pranayama. Sitali, means to cool- pranayama- is an aspect of Yoga that offers a scientific method for controlling the breath. As you slow down your breathing it is helpful in stilling the mind and produce deep relaxation. In this state, the immune system works at its best. Prana (CHI) means vital life force energy and āyāma means to lengthen or extend.
This exercise may look funny but it will soothe and cool you on hot days – also great help for hot flashes. It has been put to the test with ancient yogis in the desert. It really works.
How To do it:
- Sit comfortably. Relax shoulders.
- Curl the tongue to make a U shape and protrude it slightly past the lips – if you can’t make a U (don’t worry it’s genetic) just imagine it and draw the air through the center of tongue.
- Inhale deeply and smoothly through the tongue as if through a straw. Think of cool water coming in to refresh your body.
- Exhale through the nose. (You can relax your tongue for the exhale)
- Continue for at least 1 to 3 minutes
- To end inhale through the nose – hold. Exhale,
- Relax and smile. Enjoy a glass of water
You may notice a bitter taste at first. This is a sign of detoxification. As you continue the practice of Sitali Pranayam the taste of the tongue will ultimately become sweet. This technique activates the liver, the spleen and improves digestion. Students who practice this regularly have also attributed benefits of rejuvenation & detoxification.
How does it work? You can think of it as part of nature’s own air conditioning system. As the air comes in through the tongue, it reduces the fire energy principle referred as pitta, in Ayurvedic medicine, which is associated with the catabolic processes in the body. Not so unlike your dog’s panting. I will be teaching this technique this month in all my classes. I can also teach you a version that is more subtle to practice wherever and whenever you need it.
Of course it only works if you “do it.” The more you practice, the easier it becomes and the greater the benefits. Remember to take time to Breathe. © Louise Lavergne 2001-2010
www.joyfull-yoga.com; 899-0707 Louise is the owner of JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville where she offers group and private sessions. She is the yoga provider for Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford where she works with patients of Dr. Robin Miller. She is also a Motivational speaker. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 20 years.
