Cool Down from the Inside Out: A Summer Breath Practice
When the summer heat is in full swing, sometimes we need more than shade and iced tea to cool off.
Enter Sitali, a simple, refreshing pranayama technique that not only helps your body beat the heat but can also soothe a fiery mood, calm your nerves, and even support anyone trying to quit smoking.
How to Practice Cooling Breath (video below)
You have two options: pick the one that feels best for you:
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Curled Tongue – If you can curl your tongue into a tube shape, inhale through it.
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Straw Lips – If tongue curling isn’t your superpower, purse your lips like you’re sipping through a straw.
Step-by-step:
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Find a tall, comfortable seat, upright but not rigid.
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Begin with empty lungs by exhaling fully.
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Inhale slowly through your curled tongue or pursed lips until you feel comfortably full (no need for your biggest breath ever).
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Close your mouth and exhale slowly through your nose.
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Repeat for about 10 rounds.
Why This Breath is Magical
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Cools the body – Perfect for sweltering summer days.
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Cools the mind – Great for moments when you might feel a little too “hot under the collar” emotionally.
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Nervous system reset – Helps downregulate stress and tension.
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Smoking cessation support – The sensation mimics inhaling through a cigarette, but with healing instead of harm.
Closing the Practice
After your final round, pause for a few moments. Notice how your body feels, perhaps a sense of calm, lightness, or coolness. Rest your hands on your heart, bow your head, and then gently lift your gaze.
Cooling Breath is a tiny ritual you can carry with you anywhere, on a hot afternoon, in a tense conversation, or anytime you need a gentle inner reset.
Stay cool
nyk
P.S. This video is a snippet of one of my Zoom classes. For more info and to join those, Click Here.
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