Do Cooling Pranayama Techniques Actually Cool The Body?
- Yes, cooling pranayama techniques can actually cool the body. Pranayama, or the practice of controlling the breath, has been shown to have a number of effects on the body, including the ability to regulate body temperature.
- One of the most well-known cooling pranayama techniques is called Sheetali Pranayama, also known as the “Cooling Breath.” This technique involves curling the tongue and breathing in through the mouth, and is said to help lower body temperature, reduce stress, and calm the mind.
- Studies have found that practicing Sheetali Pranayama can indeed reduce body temperature, as well as decrease heart rate and blood pressure. Other cooling pranayama techniques, such as Sheetkari Pranayama (the “Hissing Breath”) and Sitali Sitkari Pranayama (the “Cooling Breath with Teeth Clenched”), may also have similar effects on the body.
- It’s worth noting, however, that while pranayama can have a cooling effect on the body, it’s not a substitute for proper hydration and other measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.