As summer heats up, there’s no better time to bring intentional breathwork into your classes, and your own practice. In this episode, I share two powerful and accessible cooling pranayamas: Sheetali and Sheetkari. These ancient practices offer immediate relief from physical and emotional heat, making them perfect for summer classes, outdoor yoga, or anytime your nervous system needs calming. If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to move beyond asana and bring more depth to your teaching, this is your go-to breathwork mini-guide.
Episode Highlights:
- How pranayama can be used seasonally, particularly to balance summer’s fiery pitta energy
- The historical and scriptural roots of Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayamas
- How to practice Sheetali (tongue-rolled cooling breath) safely and effectively
- Sheetali’s physical and energetic benefits, including digestion, inflammation, and parasympathetic activation
- Contraindications for both practices, including low blood pressure, respiratory issues, pollution, and cold weather
- How to teach Sheetali in a class: timing, cueing, and integrating with asana and savasana
- Introduction to Sheetkari (hissing breath) and why it’s more accessible than Sheetali for many students
- How to practice Sheetkari (hissing breath) safely and effectively
- The sensory, auditory, and physiological benefits of Sheetkari for mental calm and emotional regulation
- Use cases for both techniques: end of a class, restorative yoga, long workshops, hot flashes, and even hikes
- A reminder to always practice first before teaching, so you can teach from experience, not just theory
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