Cooling breathing technique
This type of yoga breathing technique is done by sticking the tongue out and curling the tongue so that the sides touch each other. The lips are closed around the tongue in a circular shape so that the air passes through the hole made by the tongue and not around.
When performing this breathing technique keep the head up and neck vertically aligned. This is so that the muscles under the chin and front of the neck are not restricted or blocked. This is one of the few breathing techniques that is done without jalandhara bandha on the inhalation.
This breathing technique can cause the element of water to disappear from the mouth. Combine this technique with others that allow the mouth to become saturated in water once again.
Always use minimal force when restricting the air entering the lungs. If the valve is closed too much the lungs will struggle to draw in the breath. Be aware of internal conflict and remove it. Forces must not collide or conflict with one another. This is imbalance and disharmony. Perfect balanced harmony in the inner forces with minimal conflict from the breathing techniques. This is what the pranayama practitioner seeks, this is the way of balance.
Instructions
Find a comfortable seated position. Gently exhale all of the air from the lungs.
Stage 1
Curl the tongue and close the lips around it. Begin to draw the air in smoothly without too
much obstruction. Listen to the sound as an indication of how well the air flows in.
Always try to improve the sound so that it is not rough, shaky or irregular.
On the exhalation drop the head into jalandhara bandha and do Ujjayi pranayama.
Stage 2
Inhale with the tongue curled in the cooling position.
Drop the head in jalandhara bandha and hold the breath when the lungs are lightly filled. (Antara Kumbhaka)
Exhale for longer than the inhalation. Perform Ujjayi breathing on the exhalation.
Stage 3
Inhale with the tongue curled in the cooling position.
Drop the head in jalandhara bandha and exhale for longer than the inhalation. Perform Ujjayi breathing on the exhalation.
Hold after exhaling lightly and leave a little air in the lungs. Bahya Kumbhaka
Stage 4
Inhale with the tongue curled in the cooling position.
Drop the head in jalandhara bandha and hold the breath when the lungs are lightly filled. (Antara Kumbhaka).
Exhale for longer than the inhalation. Perform Ujjayi breathing on the exhalation.
