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Yoga Bytes - July 27, 2007
The Cooling Breath
Given the heat this summer, I suggest this breathing technique that helps us handle the heat better.
All you have to do is shape your mouth into a tube running from lips to throat. If you can form your tongue into a tube shape so much the better. (This is a genetic thing. If your parents didn't bequeath this talent to you, don't sweat it.) Inhale several nice deep breaths through this tube (exhaling through your nose). It should help you cool down.
In addition you can try:
Rain pose (varuna mudra)
Mudras are hand positions that channel the energy in the body toward specific ends. This one has a cooling effect. Sit in a comfortable meditative position (this can be in a chair, cross-legged or in the lotus position). Bring together the tip of your little finger and the tip of your thumb on each hand. Hold for five minutes, or even more, to feel the cooling effect. You can do this anytime and anywhere, but mudra are most effective as part of meditation. Don't press down the little finger. That would have the opposite, undesirable effect of heating the body.
Varuna mudra detoxifies. It has a beneficial effect on inflammatory and dehydrating ailments, such as dry joints and diarrhea. This pose is good (in moderation) when there is excessive water retention.
I got this information from an article by Shameem Akthar, a Mumbai-based yoga acharya. Featured in Harmony Magazine April 2006