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Cooling
Hissing Breath
शीत्कारीŚītkārīశీత్కారి
The same cooling effect as Sheetali, for the majority of people who cannot roll the tongue. Air is drawn in through clenched teeth instead.
Meaning of the name
Named for the sound — śīt is the hiss made when drawing air across the teeth.
How to practise
- 1
Sit upright. Bring the upper and lower teeth lightly together and part the lips.
- 2
Place the tip of the tongue against the back of the lower front teeth.
- 3
Inhale slowly through the gap in the teeth, producing a soft hissing sound.
- 4
Close the mouth and exhale slowly through the nose.
- 5
Do nine to fifteen rounds.
Benefits
- Cools the body as effectively as Sheetali, with no tongue-rolling required
- Strengthens the gums and teeth through the direct airflow
- Reduces acidity, thirst and excess heat
- Calms anger and mental agitation
- Helps mouth ulcers and gum inflammation
What happens in the nervous system
Identical in mechanism to Sheetali. Cold air over the teeth can be uncomfortable if the enamel is thin or the roots exposed — in that case Sheetali is the better option, if you can roll the tongue.