Yoga for Summer: Cooling Pranayam to Beat the Heat

Battling summers in India is quite a challenge. While your energy levels are easily sapped, you also run the risk of falling prey to a host of issues like heat stroke, sunburn and of course dehydration. You can resort to various ways to guard yourself from heat and keep it cool; the best possible way to beat the heat is from within. Experts suggest including water-based and cooling ingredients in one's regular diet in order to keep the system calm and cool. Hydrating, seasonal ingredients like melons, gourds, cucumbers and citrus fruits are all excellent to keep you hydrated, help you feel light and fresh and at the same time supply essential micronutrients to the body. Curd is also an excellent option.

While it is proven that you are what you eat, yoga can also be an additional bonus to a healthy diet. But can yoga really help you battle summers? We spoke to some experts and found out that a couple of pranayama techniques can actually help you cool down the body and feel relaxed in the sweltering heat.

1. Sheetli Pranayam

This is a kind of breathing technique that works specially to cool your body from within. "Sit in Sukhasana or padmasana with your hands placed on the knees. Bring your tongue all the way out and fold both sides of the tongue like a tube or straw. Take a long, deep inhalation through your tongue. After inhalation, close your mouth and exhale through the nose," instructs Manisha Kohli, The Yoga Chakra, a yoga studio in Greater Kailash II, New Delhi.

Repeat this 10 times, and you can go up to 20 times.

2. Sheetkari Pranayam

Practicing this technique remains similar to the one mentioned above. The only difference is that this one is done with clenched teeth. So you sit in a standard padmasana or sukhasana, with your hands on the knees. Clench your teeth and inhale, take a long breath, hold and release slowly via the nostrils.Repeat this 10 times, you can go up to 20 times.(Also Read: Kapalbhati Pranayam: How to Do It, Steps and Benefits)

(Also Read: How to do Bhastrika Pranayama - The Yogic Breath of Fire)

Things to Keep in Mind

These techniques are great for people suffering from heat stroke. You can practice these anytime in the day. Those suffering from low blood pressure, flu or cold and asthma or respiratory issues should avoid performing these techniques. Practice these pranayama exercises slowly; both inhalation and exhalation should be slow.Always perform yogic techniques and asanas under supervision. Get in touch with a certified yoga expert for more information.