Cooling Breath Pranayama Practice for August: What Should You Know
Feeling drained by the sweltering August heat? You're not alone. This time of year, soaring temperatures leaving many of us feel sluggish, irritable, and even dehydrated. While air conditioning and chilled drinks offer temporary relief, they don’t truely balance the body temperature from within. This is where pranayama steps in with holistic approach.
That’s why, Ekattva Yogshala- a yoga school in Rishikesh- explores how cooling breath pranayama can help you beat the heat, improve focus, and restore calm during the hottest month of the year.
What is Cooling Pranayama?
Cooling pranayama is a set of yogic breathing techniques designed to regulate your body temperature, lower stress levels, and create a sense of calm. These practices are particularly helpful during hot months or after workouts when the body is overheated.
Here’s a surprising thing!
Unlike energizing breathing exercises like Kapalabhati or Bhastrika, which literally fires you up, cooling breath pranayama taps into your parasympathetic nervous system— the “relax mode” of your body. This helps you cool down physically and mentally, improving your mood and clarity.
And you don’t be a yoga expert to try it out. These breathing techniques can be practiced by beginners and require no specific equipment.
Why Practice Cooling Breath Pranayama in August?
August is often blamed as the main culprit of the year’s scorching heat. With the heat climbing and humidity hanging in the air, it’s no surprise so many of us have to deal with things like:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dehydration
- Poor concentration
- Restlessness at night
And here comes a game-changer activity!
Practicing cooling pranayama during August can help combat these symptoms. It allows your body to cool naturally, while calming your nervous system and balancing your emotional state. Whether you’re struggling to stay focused at work or looking for better sleep, these techniques can help you stay centered and refreshed.
Top Cooling Breath Pranayama Techniques to Try
Let’s look at the most popular and effective forms of cooling pranayama. Both are simple, easy to learn, and can be practiced anywhere.
1. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath Technique)
This is the most popular cooling breath pranayama and is also known as the “taco tongue breath.
How to Practice Sheetali:
Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
Stick out your tongue and roll the sides like a tube (if you can).
Inhale slowly through your curled tongue.
Close your mouth and exhale gently through your nose.
Repeat this for 8–10 rounds.
Benefits:
Reduces body heat
Lowers blood pressure
Helps in indigestion and acidity
Refreshes your mind
Note: If you can’t roll your tongue, try Sheetkari pranayama instead!
2. Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing Breath)
An excellent alternative to Sheetali, this is another powerful cooling pranayama practice.
How to Practice Sheetkari:
Sit in a meditative posture and close your eyes.
Gently clench your teeth together and slightly open your lips.
Inhale through your teeth, making a hissing sound.
Close your mouth and exhale through the nose.
Do this for 8–10 rounds.
Benefits:
Cools the entire nervous system
Combats hot flashes and irritability
Balances Pitta dosha
Refreshes mental focus
3. Chandra Bhedana (Left Nostril Breathing)
“Chandra” means moon in Sanskrit. This cooling pranayama involves breathing only through the left nostril, which is associated with lunar, cooling energy.
How to Practice Chandra Bhedana:
Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position.
Close your right nostril with your thumb.
Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril.
Close your left nostril and exhale from the right nostril.
Repeat the process for 5–10 minutes.
Benefits:
Calms mental overactivity
Relieves hot temper and emotional tension
Helps lower body temperature
Don’t forget to check out these resources as well:
Bhakti yoga flow for office professionals
Meditation for the summer solstice
Standing yoga poses for the office
When and Where to Practice
Timing and environment matter alot, when it comes to breathing practices. Here are some useful tips:
- Practice early in the morning or after sunset, when the temperature is cooler.
- Make sure you’re on an empty or light stomach.
- Sit in a quiet, clean, and cool space—near an open window or in the shade if possible.
- Keep your spine straight and your body relaxed.
- Focus fully on the sensation of your breath.
You can also follow it with a few minutes of silent sitting or meditation to deepen the cooling and calming effects.
Additional Benefits of Cooling Pranayama
Practicing cooling pranayama regularly doesn’t just help you manage heat—it offers several long-term benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Cooling the body has a direct calming effect on the mind.
- Improves digestion: Especially useful after spicy meals or acid reflux issues.
- Promotes better sleep: Ideal for people who struggle to fall asleep on hot nights.
- Balances mood swings: Helps when you’re feeling short-tempered or overwhelmed.
- Sharpens focus and awareness: Brings clarity to a busy mind.
Cooling breath pranayama also pairs well with other wellness practices like gentle yoga, journaling, or restorative meditation.
Is Cooling Pranayama Safe for Everyone?
For the most part, cooling breath pranayama is safe and gentle. But there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid practicing during winter or in very cold climates.
- If you have asthma, sinus infections, or low blood pressure, consult a doctor or certified yoga instructor before beginning.
- Don’t overdo it—start slow and observe how your body responds.
- Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, light-headed, or chilled.
If you're new to pranayama, it’s best to learn under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher to ensure proper technique.
Cooling Breath Pranayam Guide: Wrap-up
Your breath is one of the most powerful, natural tools available to you. Practicing cooling pranayama daily, even just for 5 minutes, can have a noticeable impact on your body temperature, stress levels, and mood.
At the end of the day, yoga is a personal journey. Try a few styles, reflect on what resonates, and choose a direction that feels right for both your mind and body. Haven’t joined a yoga teacher training program yet? Then you must check out our alliance-certified courses:
200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh
