Sitali Breath
Sitali Breath
Summer got you all hot n bothered?
Feeling scattered, distracted, agitated or over energized?
That’s because Summer is the season of fire.
Fire creates full bloom abundance. The earth proffers bounty and the days are long. People gather outside and relationships, young and old, are nurtured.
But when the fire element is unbalanced, you may feel hyperactive, quick to anger and restless.
Practicing Sitali breath can harmonize your nervous system and get you grounded again.
Sitali breath is a pranayama (breath practice) from the yoga tradition that cools excess heat in the body.
Sitali breath is best practiced during the warmest hours of the day – from 10am – 2pm. However this cooling breath can be beneficial after a vigorous gym workout, vinyasa practice, or even while winding down at night.
SITALI BREATH HOW TO
Sit in a chair or couch and get comfortable. You’ll want your spine upright, but make sure you can maintain this position easily for several minutes.
Curl your tongue (taco shape).
Extend the tongue 1/2″ outside the open lips.
Inhale through the curved tongue.
Exhale through the nose.
Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
If you can’t curl your tongue, you can get all the benefits from practicing Sitkari breath.
SITKARI BREATH HOW TO
In the same upright seated position, allow the top and bottom teeth to touch but open the lips.
Inhale through the open lips – you’ll hear a hissing sound as you draw breath past the teeth.
Exhale through the nose.
Repeat for 1-2 minutes.