Cool Down with Your Tongue Out

Summer is a pitta season based on the Ayurvedic system which means it consists of fire and water elements. When there is too much pita (fire) people can feel agitated, frustrated, angry and their skin becomes oily which causes acne, rashes and other skin ailments. The digestive system can become sluggish causing constipation and even acid indigestion. It is extremely important to stay hydrated during the summer (and all year round) so that they body stays cool. It can sometimes be challenging to keep the body cool and escape the summer heat but there is something you can do no matter where you are- breath. That’s right, there is a cooling breathe called Sitali Pranayama that will cool your body off.

Follow these simple steps and try practicing this ancient breathing technique when you need a quick cool down.

1.  Find a peaceful spot to sit. This can be under a tree, in a conference room at work, in your bedroom or even at your workspace. It just needs to be somewhere where you can sit without interruption. Sit in easy pose and lengthen your spine while keeping your sitz bones rooted. Release your jaw, drop your shoulders away from your ears and gently close your eyes keeping your palms facing up on your thighs.

2.       Check in with your body from head to toe. How are you feeling? Do you feel the pitta qualities anywhere in your body? Are you irritated, feel unusually tense, tightness, sweating, etc.

3.       Stick the tip of your tongue out and curl it into a “U” shape.

4.       Inhale through the curled tongue slowly and deeply allowing the cooling air to flow through your body deep within your lungs.

5.       Holding your inhale, close your mouth and exhale slowly through your nose making sure to exhale completely.

6.       Keep your body relaxed making sure to keep your shoulders away from your ears, your spine long and your muscles relaxed.

7.       Continue  for 3 minutes

If the tongue begins to have a metallic taste, it’s a sign of detoxification.

After you finish your breathing cycle, scan your body and notice if there are any changes in the way that you feel. Do you feel cooler, a little, more relaxed, less tense, less agitated? Remember to check in with yourself throughout the hot summer days, eat cooling foods, stay hydrated and practice this powerful pranayama when you need a quick cool down.