Yoga in hot weather! Yes, the following cooling yoga poses help beat the heat in extreme summer. They protect you from heat stroke and dehydration.
As the summer heat rises, staying cool and refreshed becomes a priority. While air conditioners and cold beverages offer temporary relief, yoga provides a holistic approach to cooling the body and mind. Here are some rejuvenating yog asanas and breathing techniques to help you beat the heat and stay energized.
Sheetali Breath
Sheetali breath, or cooling breath, involves inhaling through a rolled tongue and exhaling through the nose. This technique cools the body and calms the mind, providing instant relief from the heat.
TIP: HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Keep drinking water and consuming watery fruits such as limes, and coconut water.
Ardha Matsyendra (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
This seated spinal twist improves digestion and detoxifies the organs. Ardha Matsyendrasana releases tension in the spinal chord and provides a soothing stretch to the whole body.
Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)
Sit erect on the mat with knees bent sideways and feet together, woth the soles touching each other. Hold your feet and gently flap your knees like butterfly wings. Doing this regularly enhances blood circulation, reduces fatigue, cools and opens up the pelvic region.
Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge)
Anjaneyasana opens the hips and stretches the thighs. This pose helps release heat from the body by improving circulation and calming the nervous system.
Cooling yoga- Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)
Lie on your back with your legs extended vertically against a wall. Viparita Karani soothes the nervous system, reduces swelling in the legs, and promotes a sense of calm.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Shavasana involves lying flat on your back with your arms at your sides. This pose promotes complete relaxation and helps the body cool down after a yoga session.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Surya Namaskar is a series of 12 yoga poses that increase flexibility, strength, and balance. Practicing it at a gentle pace in the early morning or late evening helps regulate body temperature and invigorates the system.
Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)- Cooling Yoga
This is done lying down. Lie on stomach and lift your legs and chest off the ground, balancing on your abdomen( making kind of a boat) . It has various variations too. Shalabhasana strengthens the back muscles and improves circulation, helping to release excess heat from the body.
Beat the heat with Yoga!
Incorporating these asanas and breathing techniques into your daily routine can help you stay cool and refreshed during the summer months. Not only do they provide physical benefits, but they also promote mental clarity and emotional balance. So, unroll your yoga mat, breathe deeply, and let these yogic practices be your oasis in the summer heat.