What Is Sitali Pranayama?
Sitali: The term Sitali derives from the Sanskrit "sita",cool.
Pranayama- Breathing In The Yoga Process
Pranayama literally means "controlling the life force", by which performing breathing techniques which allow us to directly influence our prana or life energy. This cleanses our nadis(energy channels) & activates our chakras(energy regions).
How To Perform:
Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with the spine straight. Curl the tongue and protrude it slightly past the lips. Inhale deeply and smoothly through the tongue and mouth, take your time. Exhale through the nose. Continue for 5 minutes. Then inhale — hold. Pull in the tongue. Exhale and relax. Repeat this for two more 5-minute periods.
The Benefits:
Sitali pranayama is a well known practice, it soothes and cools the spine in the area of the fourth, fifth and sixth vertebrae. This then regulates the sexual and digestive energies in the body. This breath is often used for reducing the heat in the body & head(pitta related),lowers fever, curbs anxiety,aids in digestion, great for rejuvenation. Detoxification is also attributed to this breath when practiced on a daily basis. Performing 40-50 breaths daily can extend your lifespan. Often the tongue may taste bitter at first,this is a sign of detoxification. As you continue to practice this technique, the taste of the tongue will conclusively become sweet.
