Shitali means cooling. I thought it fitting to share this breath practice as the humidity of summer arrives. This pranayama practice is great for my MS students to help deal with the heat and, great for my prenatal students to lessen their nausea. My daughter and I routinely practice Shitali Pranayama when we are feeling nauseous from hormonal changes.
Benefits:
*Activates the liver and spleen
*Improves digestion
*Relieves thirst
*Calm feelings of anger
*Alleviates nausea
*Can help lower fever
How to:
Find a comfortable seat with the natural curves in the spine. Stick your tongue out and curl it, if you cannot curl your tongue as this is a genetic trait, make an O shape with your lips. Inhale through the mouth, feeling the cool air flow over the tongue then, close your mouth and exhale through your nose. I’ve read that you should do 5 rounds of this breath in order for it to be effective and, I recently read to do no more than 10 rounds in one sitting. However, you can practice Shitali Pranayama several times a day.
Note: Please discontinue practice if it does not feel right for you. Also, if you start to get a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Yoga and Inspiration 