Sitali Pranayam is the second of several techniques we’ll cover in the “Intro to Pranayama” series.

The sanskrit can be loosely translated to “cooling breath,” and it is a breathing technique that promotes a calming effect on the nervous system and a cooling effect on the body (you’ll definitely feel it as you practice this breath).

While this technique features a curled tongue (which is a genetic trait - either you can, or you can’t), fear not if you’re not able to do this! I’ve provided separate instructions for those with this trait and a modification for those without.

Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is the first of several techniques we’ll cover in the “Intro to Pranayama” series.

The sanskrit phrase breaks down into two parts: nadi, meaning channel (flow), and shodhana, meaning purification. Together, the phrase highlights how we can use the breath to help clear the subtle energy channels that exist within the body and mind.

Pranayama - also referred to as breathwork - focuses on breathing techniques that can be traced back to the traditional yogic practice originating in ancient India.

Pranayama posits that our bodies are prime repositories for emotional and physical blocks, as well as stress, all of which impact our life force energy: our breath (prana). When prana is stuck, we might notice this in a variety of ways: jaw tension, muscle tightness, anxiety, overwhelm, etc. Pranayama, therefore, is a vehicle through which we can start to clear these blocks, allow prana to move freely, and help our bodies “clear the clutter,” so to speak.