Cool Down With This Breathing Technique

Who would have thought that by just curling your tongue and breathing you could cool off and even possibly halt your hot flashes! The Sitali Breath (Sitali means cool) is a method of yogic breathing that reduces the fire energy in the body. Give it a try and see what you think.


SITALI BREATH - TRADITIONAL METHOD

1. Curl up the sides of your tongue and stick the tip outside your lips. (make a straw with your tongue) Use your teeth gently to keep tongue in place, lips kept as relaxed as possible.
2. Inhale slowly through your tongue then exhale through your nose.  Use the tip of your tongue softly against the top inside roof of your mouth. Exhale even more slowly than you inhaled. Feel the heat exiting. Continue breathing like this for 3-4 minutes.

SITALI BREATH - EASY METHOD (if you can't curl your tongue)

1. Purse your lips into a tiny "o" shape, like a reaching kiss. (you'll be making your straw with your lips instead of your tongue) Keep your tongue inside floating, so it doesn't touch teeth or gums.
2. Slowly inhale through your lips, feel the cooled air. If your mouth becomes dry, be patient and slow it down more.
3. Exhale through your nose. Use the tip of your tongue softly against the top inside roof of your mouth. Exhale even more slowly than you inhaled. Feel the heat exiting.

To experience these instant cooling, calming effects, start with 3-4 minutes of relaxed practice. Never strain, never struggle. Rest about half way through and enjoy a few quiet moments afterward. To enhance your concentration think the word "cool" with each in-breath and the words "I am" with each out-breath. When you're done...SMILE.

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