beginner

Cooling Breath

Śītalī

SHEE-tah-lee

A uniquely cooling pranayama performed by inhaling through a curled tongue. It effectively lowers body temperature, reduces thirst, and calms the pitta (fire) energy in the system.

Mudra:Jnana Mudra
Bandhas:
None
Cooling
The Practice Flow
1

Curl your tongue into a tube and stick it out.

2

Inhale slowly through the tongue, feeling the cold air.

3

Exhale through the nose.

Foundation

Sit tall and relaxed. If you cannot curl your tongue, use Sitkari (teeth) instead.

Hand Position

Jnana Mudra or Chin Mudra.

Sip the air as if through a straw, feeling the moisture and coolness.

Default Ratio

1:1

Inhale : Exhale

Advanced Ratio

1:2

Inhale : Retain : Exhale : Suspend

Nostril Focus:Both Nostrils
Technique:curled tongue
Mouth Breath:Required