YOGA CAN KEEP YOU COOL IN SUMMER

Can’t take the scorching weather? There are a range of asanas and pranayamas that can offer some relief from the heat and help the body cool off this summer

Sheetali Pranayama
Start with Sheetali Pranayama to cool your body and mind. Sit comfortably, roll your tongue into a tube, and inhale deeply through it. Hold your breath for some time. Then close your mouth and exhale through your nose. Repeat this cycle for several breaths, feeling the cooling sensation with each inhale.

Janu Shirshasana
Sit on the floor with legs extended. Bend one knee, bringing the sole of the foot to the inner thigh. Inhale, lengthen the spine, then exhale, and fold forward. Reach for the extended foot or shin with both hands. Hold the pose, breathing deeply, then switch sides. Any forward bending asana helps you in letting go, which calms the body down.

Chandrabhedi Pranayama
Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale deeply through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat for several rounds, focusing on the calming effect of the breath.

Shashankasana
Sit in Vajrasana with knees on the floor and toes pointing backward. Inhale and raise your arms overhead. Then exhale and bend forward from the hips, lowering your forehead toward the ground.
Extend your arms forward. Hold the pose, breathing deeply, then slowly come back up as you inhale.

Sitkari Pranayama
Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Press the tongue against the upper teeth. Inhale slowly through the teeth and hold your breath. Exhale gently through the nose. Repeat for several rounds, focusing on the cooling sensation. The ratio of inhaling, holding the breath and exhaling should be 1:4:2.

Savasana
Lie down on a mat or a flat surface, but the bed. Spread your feet and hands and relax. Imagine your breath coursing across your body and breathing out through the nostrils. This asana calms down your body and brain. It is advisable to do it on an empty stomach.


Certain yoga poses, pranayama, and meditation can cool you down, physically as well as mentally. I practice Bhramari pranayama before bedtime to unwind and calm my entire system down. In summer, I add cooling and hydrating foods for a wholesome mind, body health

- Vidya Malavade, actress



Do not practice Sheetali Pranayama daily, as there is no filter in the mouth, while inhaling, there are chances of bacteria entering the mouth. If you have tonsilitis, sore throat, toothache or weak gums, avoid sitkari pranayama

-Pavithra Devadiga, yoga practitioner and instructor


In summer, avoid high-intensity workouts and focus on aerobics, breathing exercises, walking, and swimming. Practicing hatha yoga can also help the body to cool down. Add herbs like jeera, dhaniya, lime, fennel seeds, mint to your diet to keep the body calm

- Mihir Jogh, yoga practitioner and instructor
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