"Beat the Summer Heat with These 10 Cooling Yoga Poses"

 

  1. Sitali Pranayama (Cooling Breath): Sit comfortably and curl your tongue into a "U" shape. Inhale deeply through the curled tongue, and as you exhale, close your mouth and breathe out through the nose. This breath cools the body and calms the mind.

  2. Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hinge at the hips, and fold forward, letting your head and arms hang. This pose increases blood circulation and promotes a cooling effect throughout the body.

  3. Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana): Lie on your back, lift your legs, and support your lower back with your hands as you raise your legs straight up. This inverted pose reverses the blood flow, refreshing the body and reducing heat.

  4. Camel Pose (Ustrasana): Kneel on the floor, place your hands on your lower back, and gently arch backward, opening the chest. This pose stimulates the thyroid gland, which regulates body temperature, and helps release heat from the body.

  5. Extended Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): Stand with your feet wide apart, extend one arm to the side, and reach forward with the opposite arm, bending at the hip. This pose stretches the body and promotes circulation, providing a cooling effect.

  6. Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar): Similar to the Sun Salutation, the Moon Salutation is a series of poses that are practiced to honor and connect with the cooling energy of the moon. It includes gentle, flowing movements that help calm the body and mind.

  7. Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana): Stand with your feet wide apart, fold forward, and bring your hands to the floor or use blocks for support. This pose opens up the back of the body, encourages blood flow, and creates a cooling effect.

  8. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): Lie on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your knees fall open to the sides. This pose promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and helps cool the body down.

  9. Cooling Breath (Sheetali Pranayama): Roll your tongue into a tube shape or keep your lips slightly parted. Inhale deeply through the tongue or mouth, and then close the mouth and exhale through the nose. This breath cools the body and calms the nervous system.

  10. Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie on your back, relax your entire body, and let go of any tension. This final relaxation pose allows the body to cool down and promotes a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Remember to listen to your body and modify or skip any poses that don't feel suitable for you. Stay hydrated and practice these poses mindfully to beat the summer heat and keep your body and mind balanced and cool.

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