In the summer heat, pranayama is an effective way to cool the body and provide mental calmness, contributing to improved health. Everyone faces challenges during the summer months. Intense sun, perspiration, and excessive heat leave the body feeling tired and weak, often accompanied by irritability.
Keeping the body cool and calm during this season becomes crucial. Yoga and pranayama are the most effective remedies. Pranayama not only cools the body but also provides mental tranquility. Let's explore how pranayama offers comfort and relief to our bodies during the summer.
Regulates Body Temperature
Increased body temperature is a common problem in summer. High body temperature leads to fatigue, weakness, and discomfort. Sheetali pranayama and Sheetkari pranayama are two specific types of pranayama that help keep the body cool. In Sheetali pranayama, we inhale cool air through the mouth.
This maintains coolness inside the body and reduces the effects of heat. In Sheetkari pranayama, breathing is done with the tongue sticking out, providing the body with calmness and coolness. These pranayamas revitalize the body and provide relief from the effects of heat.
Achieves Mental Peace and Balance
Mental stress and irritability are also common problems in the summer. High temperatures, perspiration, and a stagnant environment can lead to mental instability. Pranayama can help achieve mental peace. Anuloma-Viloma and Chandra Bhedana pranayama are particularly helpful in relieving mental stress.
Practicing these pranayamas not only provides mental peace but also relaxes the entire body. Anuloma-Viloma pranayama involves inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other, calming the mind and improving focus. Chandra Bhedana pranayama cools and calms the body using energy associated with the moon. Both are highly effective in reducing mental stress.
Boosts Energy
Fatigue and lethargy are often experienced during summer. This is caused not only by physical weakness but also by mental fatigue. Regular practice of pranayama maintains energy levels. Practicing pranayama in a cool place, especially in the morning, provides energy for the entire day. Pranayama distributes the body's internal energy efficiently, keeping us active throughout the day and preventing any physical fatigue or lethargy. This sustains freshness and well-being throughout the day.
Strengthens the Respiratory System
In summer, problems like shortness of breath can arise due to perspiration and dehydration. Dehydration and rising temperatures put pressure on the respiratory system. Pranayama helps strengthen the respiratory system. When we practice pranayama, our lungs fully absorb oxygen, increasing oxygen consumption in the body. This strengthens the respiratory system and prevents breathing difficulties. Regular pranayama ensures the respiratory system functions correctly, relieving breathing problems caused by the heat.
Controls Stress and Anger
Irritability and anger can increase during the summer. When the body is hot, the brain is also affected, leading to mood swings. Pranayama can reduce stress and anger. The calm and controlled breathing exercises of pranayama calm the mind and help control anger. Controlled breathing calms the mind, enabling better management of anger in any situation. Regular practice maintains mental peace and self-control.
Balances Body and Mind
Summer not only causes physical fatigue but can also lead to mental restlessness and discomfort. Pranayama balances both body and mind. It provides both physical refreshment and mental tranquility, keeping us stress-free. Regular pranayama helps avoid physical and mental problems during the summer. It offers peace and balance, promoting overall well-being throughout the day.
By incorporating pranayama into your daily routine during the summer, you can not only cool your body and feel refreshed but also experience mental peace and increased energy. Regular practice of pranayamas like Sheetali, Sheetkari, Anuloma-Viloma, and Chandra Bhedana will help protect your body and mind from the effects of the heat. So, adopt pranayama this summer and enjoy a healthy and happy life during the hot season.
