Does the intense summer heat get on your nerves? Do you find yourself getting irritated or angry easily? If you experience hot flashes or sudden spells of heat, sheetkari pranayama might be just what you need. This breathing exercise, also known as the “hissing breath,” is typically practiced after other yoga poses and breathing exercises and is well-known for its ability to cool down the body.
Sheetkari pranayama is especially useful for cooling off after a workout. As your body heats up during physical activity, practicing this breathing exercise at the end can help bring your temperature back down. It cools the body and influences brain centers connected to temperature regulation, making it an effective way to calm both body and mind. Moreover, sheetkari pranayama can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and balance other essential bodily functions.
For many people, deep breathing might feel a bit awkward. This is often due to societal pressures, such as the desire for a flat stomach, which leads people to hold in their stomach muscles and promotes shallow “chest breathing.” Over time, this can increase stress and anxiety. Practicing sheetkari pranayama not only improves breathing but also enhances overall well-being.
One of the standout benefits of sheetkari pranayama is its cooling effect. Overheating can lead to serious issues like heatstroke or milder issues like heat exhaustion, heat rash, and fainting. Understanding how to manage body heat can be incredibly helpful. By inhaling through the teeth, sheetkari pranayama creates a cooling sensation and can also be beneficial when dealing with feverish conditions.
The word “sheetal” means cold, and the primary aim of this pranayama is to cool down the body by inhaling moist air. It’s like quenching your thirst with refreshing air. If you’re feeling hot or thirsty and there’s no water available, a few rounds of sheetkari can be very helpful.
Sheetkari pranayama cools the body, adds moisture, and helps balance pitta dosha imbalances. Another great benefit is its relaxing effect. Focusing on this breathing practice helps you concentrate and detach from distracting thoughts. It signals your brain to calm down and relax, which in turn reduces tension and relieves stress. How you breathe impacts your entire body; sheetkari pranayama is a good way to relax and unwind.
High blood pressure occurs when the long-term force of blood against your artery walls is high enough to eventually cause health issues like heart disease. By practicing mindful breathing, the benefits of sheetkari pranayama effectively lower your systolic blood pressure.
The muscles in your digestive system move food in a wave-like motion. But this process can slow down or be blocked, leading to issues like bloating and IBS. Sheetkari pranayama supports the enteric nervous system and aids digestion by promoting the movement and elimination of food.
Detoxification is about giving your body a rest and cleansing it from the inside out. By eliminating toxins, detoxifying can help shield you from infections and boost your overall strength to maintain optimal health. Another benefit of sheetkari pranayama is its ability to detoxify the blood by neutralizing pitta. It is also an effective treatment for ailments involving the tongue, mouth, and throat.
To try sheetkari pranayama, follow these steps:
1. Sit in a comfortable meditative pose.
2. Close your eyes and touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
3. Gently close your upper and lower teeth.
4. Open your lips slightly and inhale, making a hissing sound like “See-See.”
5. Close your lips and exhale through your nose.
6. Repeat this process for 8 to 10 rounds.
Note: Avoid practicing sheetkari pranayama if you have heart problems, low blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, or excessive mucus. It is also not recommended during extremely cold days or if you have constipation, as it could worsen the condition around the Swadishtana chakra.
If you’re interested in exploring more techniques for healing, consider the transformative effects of chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
