The Cooling Breath, or Shitali Pranayama in Sanskrit, is designed to cool the body, mind, and spirit in moments of overheated emotions or during hot weather. This 5minute guided practice is perfect for summertime yoga, as it cools the body from the inside out and helps alleviate restlessness when the heat becomes unbearable.

Benefits: Reduces mental tension and emotional excitement, relaxes muscles, purifies the blood, tones the liver and spleen, decreases stomach acidity, improves digestion, and lowers blood pressure.

Contraindications: Avoid this breath if you have a heart condition, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. If you tend to feel cold rather than warm, consider a warming breath instead. Refrain from this breath if you suffer from chronic constipation.

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj http://www.reddooryoga.ca/