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As temperatures soar and air conditioners keep humming on a near-constant basis, what if we tell you there is a simpler, natural way to keep yourself cool this summer? All you have to do is breathe!

Yes, you heard it right. Spending a few minutes every day to breathe in a prescribed way can keep your body cool during these summer days. This simple yet effective remedy to combat the heat is called the Sheetali Pranayama, also known as the Cooling Breath. 

According to Ayurveda, summer is ruled by pitta dosha, which consists of the fire and water elements. This is why we tend to get unusually irritated by the Sun during this time of the year. When aggravated, this can lead to symptoms like inflammation, acid reflux, skin rashes, burning eyes, and emotional irritability.

Practising Sheetali Pranayama for just a few minutes a day can help balance pitta by cooling the body and calming the mind. The technique involves sitting in a quiet, cool place, rolling the tongue into a tube, inhaling deeply through it, and then exhaling through the nose. Those unable to roll their tongues can practice a variation called Sitkari Pranayama, where the inhale is taken through clenched teeth.

According to Ayurvedic wisdom, this practice helps regulate body temperature, soothe the nervous system, and improve digestion. It is especially beneficial between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is at its peak and pitta is naturally high. 

Besides being excellent ways to release excess body heat, Sheetali and Sitkari Pranayama are also effective in reducing anger, frustration, and restlessness, which are common in summer. 

Modern research supports this ancient wisdom, showing that the cooling pranayama technique can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend pairing Sheetali with a pitta-pacifying lifestyle—hydrating well, eating cooling foods like cucumber and coconut, and avoiding spicy or fried foods.

With rising global temperatures, ancient wisdom like Sheetali Pranayama offers a natural, accessible way to stay cool and balanced during summer. So, next time you feel weary about facing the summer sun, remember, just breathe! 

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