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Good morning friends… happy Sunday… I am again here with a one more cooling breathe form of Pranayam. Shitali Pranayam is also known as cooling breathe. It is a breathing practice that very effectively cools the body, the mind and their emotions. If we talk about the origination of sheetali, then it comes from Sanskrit root sheet.. which means cold or frigid.

The word Sheetal means a thing which is calm, passionless and soothing. Shitali Pranayam comes and Soothes The mind-body organism by activating a powerful evaporative cooling mechanism on the inhalation, delivering a gently cooling energy to the deep tissue of the body.

This Pranayam also enkindles the digestive fire just as a live coal covered in ash might begin to glow under the influence of the cold wind.

This practice is very balancing for pitta and is neutral towards vata and kapha.

Benefits-

* It Balances excess pitta.

* it cools the body and clears excess heat

* It mitigates hyperacidity in the digestive tract.

* it helps to calm inflammation throughout the body.

* it enhance immunity. it quells thirst. it reduces blood pressure.

* It bolsters the flow of Prana throughout the body. it calm and Soothes the mind, supporting mental tranquility.

Before you begin

Shitali requires and ability to roll the tongue by curling the lateral is up to form a tube .if you don’t have this ability an alternate variation of the cooling Bridge known as sheetkari is described below in the how to practice section.

How to practice

Shitali and sitkari are the best practice on an empty stomach. Choose a comfortable sitting position. If you are able it is best to sit cross legged on the floor with the cushion or blanket. Gently close your eyes and breathe through your nose. relax the entire body begin by taking a couple of full yogic breaths grouping the mind.

If you can roll your tongue– inhale with sheetali

Stick your tounge out and roll the lateral edges upward so that your tongue forms a tube. Inhale through the curved tongue as if breathing through a straw.

If you are unable to roll your tongue – inhale with sheetkari

Simply flatten the tongue and catch it gently between the teeth. allowed the lips to Part slightly and to widen, as when we smile. inhale, allowing The Breath to pass over the sides of the tongue and through the corners of the mouth.

At the top of the inhale, draw the tongue in, close the mouth, and hold the breath for a few moments. just as long as feel natural without any strain.

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