Sheetal is a Sanskrit word meaning soothing or cooling, the word “Sheetali” is derived from Sheetal. Sheetali Breathing or Pranayama is designed to reduce the body temperature, thereby causing a cooling effect and activate endocrine glands and nervous system.
Technique of Sheetali Breathing or Pranayama
- Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position like Padmasana( Lotus), Swastikasana( Auspicious), Vajrasana(Thunderbolt) or any comfortable cross legged position with erect spine.
- Stick out the tongue out of your mouth and roll it like a tube.
- Inhale through the tube of the tongue with hissing sound
- Take your tongue back into mouth and retain breath as long as you are comfortable
- Exhale slowly through both nostrils
- Initially inhale for 4 second and exhale for 6 seconds and then gradually improve this ratio to 6:12
- Practice for about 5 minutes either in morning or in evening.
- Sheetali Pranayama can also be practiced in while standing or walking
Sheetali Breathing or Pranayama
Benefits of Sheetali Breathing or Pranayama
- Removes Excess Heat Accumulated In The System
- Gives Control Over Hunger And Thirst
- Calms Effect On Entire Nervous System
- Reduces Mental Tension And Emotional Excitement
- Reduces Blood Pressure
Warnings
Avoid Sheetali Breathing or Pranayama if
- You have any heart condition
- You have asthma
- You have bronchitis or emphysema;
- You are living in low temperature zone
- You suffer from chronic constipation
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- Basic Breathing Techniques in Yoga – Lesson One (healthinessbox.com)
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