sandeyeAlternative breathing techniques: Sithali and Sitkari
January 25th 2008 19:03
These two breathing techniques are said to both cool the body and also reduce hunger. One information source also claims they assist with the ease of thirst. I will sometimes add Sithali to my own sequence and have been considering trying Sitkari as an alternative to Brahmari or sea-breathing some days, in order to liven up my routine and prevent it from becoming too set in a rut. Both these practices should be performed between five and twelve times if used in your yoga routine.
To perform Sithali, you should attempt to curl your tongue upwards, as if making a sled-run for the air to flow along. Your curled tongue should be slightly extended from your lips. I have attempted to take a demonstration photograph, but alas they did not come out very clearly; they may however show the basic protrusion required.
Inhale through the 'sled-run' then close your mouth, whilst holding your breath inside. It is suggested that your breath is held from ten seconds up to as long as you feel comfortable before exhaling slowly through your nostrils. (For practitioners unable to curl their tongues, simply poke it out a centimeter or two and breath in across the top of it.)
To perform Sitkari, another mouth-breath exercise, place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then slowly inhale through the mouth. This should, if done correctly, emit a hissy noise. Hold your breath inside as long as you are able, and then exhale using your nostrils. It is reported that this exercise assists with facial beauty.
To perform Sithali, you should attempt to curl your tongue upwards, as if making a sled-run for the air to flow along. Your curled tongue should be slightly extended from your lips. I have attempted to take a demonstration photograph, but alas they did not come out very clearly; they may however show the basic protrusion required.
Inhale through the 'sled-run' then close your mouth, whilst holding your breath inside. It is suggested that your breath is held from ten seconds up to as long as you feel comfortable before exhaling slowly through your nostrils. (For practitioners unable to curl their tongues, simply poke it out a centimeter or two and breath in across the top of it.)
To perform Sitkari, another mouth-breath exercise, place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then slowly inhale through the mouth. This should, if done correctly, emit a hissy noise. Hold your breath inside as long as you are able, and then exhale using your nostrils. It is reported that this exercise assists with facial beauty.
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