Sitali Cooling Breath

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2–3 minutes
Duration
Best Time
Type
About This Practice

Curl the tongue (or purse the lips), inhale slowly across the tongue, exhale through the nose. The cooled breath pacifies the inner fire.

Ashtanga Hridaya treats midday as a pitta window; cooling the breath before speech or decision protects discernment from becoming force.

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How to Practice
  1. Sit with a relaxed spine in a cooler spot if one is available.
  2. Curl the tongue into a tube, or if you cannot, press the tongue lightly to the upper palate and purse the lips.
  3. Inhale slowly across the tongue for a count of 5, feeling the air cool.
  4. Close the mouth and exhale softly through the nose for a count of 6.
  5. Continue for 8 to 12 rounds without straining.
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Benefits
  • Cools residual pitta before it hardens into irritability
  • Softens the jaw, eyes, and chest
  • Restores discernment after the midday peak
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