yogapractice:

Sheetali Pranayama | Cooling Breath

• Extend tongue & curl sides of tongue to form a tube
• Inhale through the tongue, exhale through the nose calmly
• Restores body temperature when overly heated

Benefits:

• Cools mind & body
• Affects important brain centers associated with biological drives and temperature regulation
• Cools and reduces mental and emotional over-stimulation
• Encourages the free flow of prana throughout the body
• Induces muscular relaxation
• Promotes mental relaxation and tranquility
• May be used as a “tranquilizer” before sleep
• Gives control over hunger or thirst and generates a feeling of satisfaction
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Reduces stomach acid, heart burn

Contra-indications:

• Low Blood Pressure
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Excessive mucus
• Heart Disease - okay if no breath retention
• Chronic constipation
• Avoid in winter or cold climates
• Environment of CLEAN air - no nose filter