3 Pranayamas to Keep Your Body Cool and Energized This Summer: Expert's Opinion

As the temperature rises, staying cool and energized becomes a priority. The summer heat can bring with it various discomforts like dehydration, irritability, and even acidity. To combat these issues, certain pranayamas can help cool the body and refresh the mind. Yoga expert Dr. Sampurna suggests three highly effective pranayamas—Chandrabhedi, Sheetali, and Sheetkari—to keep the body cool and energized throughout the summer.

1. Chandrabhedi Pranayama (Moon Breathing Technique)

Benefits:

• Helps cool the body
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Relieves irritation from the heat

How to do it:

Sit comfortably in Sukhasana (easy pose) or Padmasana (lotus position).

Keep your spine straight and relax your body.

Close your right nostril with the thumb of your right hand.

Inhale deeply through your left nostril.

Hold your breath for a few seconds.

Exhale slowly through your left nostril.

Repeat the process several times, focusing on your breath.

Duration: Practice for 10–15 minutes each morning for the best results.

2. Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing Breath)

Benefits:

• Keeps the body cool
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Balances Pitta dosha and controls high blood pressure

How to do it:

Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine.

Open your mouth slightly and stick your tongue out.

Inhale deeply through the mouth, producing a hissing sound.

Close your mouth and exhale through the nose.

Repeat for 5-10 minutes, focusing on deep, controlled breaths.

3. Shitali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)

Benefits:

• Provides a cooling effect to the body
• Calms the mind and reduces stress
• Ideal for hot weather and heat-related issues

How to do it:

Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine and closed eyes.

Stick your tongue out and fold the edges upward to form a tube-like structure.

Inhale deeply through your tongue, feeling the coolness.

Close your mouth, keeping the tongue inside, and exhale through your left nostril.

Repeat the process by alternating nostrils, inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right.

Continue for 7-8 rounds.

Duration: Practice for 10-15 minutes daily for cooling and energy-boosting benefits.