Louise Lavergne

Louise Lavergne of JoyFull Living Wellness Center

JoyFull Living – by Louise Lavergne

Yes it’s hot out there, but not too hot for yoga. The heat can help us slow down and relax our muscles during stretches, but ultimately, when we feel too hot to move, we need to cool down. Of course, air conditioning and fans help, but to cool the body from within, there is a yogic breathing technique that has a cooling effect. It’s called Sitali Pranayam. Sitali means to cool—pranayama is an aspect of yoga that offers a scientific method for controlling the breath. Slowing down your breathing is helpful in stilling the mind, lowering blood pressure and producing deep relaxation. In this state, the immune system works at its best. Prana (CHI) means vital life force energy and āyāma means to lengthen or extend.

This exercise may look funny, but it will soothe and cool you on hot days—it’s also a great help for hot flashes or rather when your inner child is playing with matches. It has been put to the test with ancient yogis in the desert. It really works.

How to do it:

Sit comfortably. Relax your shoulders.

Curl the tongue to make a U shape and protrude it slightly past the lips—if you can’t make a U (don’t worry it’s genetic) just imagine it and draw the air through the center of tongue.

Inhale deeply and smoothly through the tongue as if through a straw. Think of cool water coming in to refresh your body.

Exhale through the nose. (You can relax your tongue for the exhale)

Continue for at least 1 to 3 minutes

To end, inhale and smile. Enjoy a glass of water

You may notice a bitter taste on your tongue at first. This is a sign of detoxification. As you continue the practice of Sitali Pranayam, the taste of the tongue will ultimately become sweet. This technique activates the liver, the spleen and improves digestion. Students who practice this regularly have also noticed benefits of rejuvenation & detoxification.

How does it work? You can think of it as part of nature’s own air conditioning system. As the air comes in through the tongue, it reduces the fire energy principle referred to as “pitta” in Ayurvedic medicine, which is associated with the catabolic processes in the body. Not unlike your dog’s panting. I will be teaching this technique this month in all my classes. I can also teach you a version that is more subtle to practice wherever and whenever you need it.

Of course it only works if you “do it.” The more you practice, the easier it becomes and the greater the benefits. Remember to take time to Breathe. Breathe in Gratitude—Live in In Joy.

© Louise Lavergne 2001-2013

Louise is a creator of JoyFull Yoga; She’s a JoyFull living coach, International Motivational speaker & owns JoyFull Living Wellness Center located at 135 S. Oregon Street in Jacksonville. She offers group & private sessions. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 25 years. Please visit one of Louise’s websites and join her email list to receive updates of events and services offered at www.joyfull-yoga.com or www.joyfull-living.com or call 541-899-0707.

Posted August 17, 2013