What is Sitkari Pranayama? Benefits & Contraindications

Seetkari pranayama is a yogic breathing technique known for its cooling or calming effects, which reduce the body's temperature. It is beneficial in the summer season, lowering the body temperature. It is believed that prolonged practice of the Sitkari pranayama gives the ability to achieve homeostasis to any practitioner.

It involves inhaling through the mouth with a hissing sound and exhaling through the nose. There are some conditions in which heat is increased in the body, which is manifested in skin cells. These issues show disease symptoms, and they can be completely cured with Sitkari Pranayama.

What is Sitkari Pranayama?

The cooling effect of Sitkari pranayama is not limited upto temperature, it can cure fever and reduce acidity of the digestive tract. According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, there are four verses (54,55,56, and 57) that define the benefits and definition of the Sitkari Pranayama. It is mentioned as “the drowning of hair with the sound of ‘Si’ and keeping it till Yogi is comfortable, and then releasing with the help of two nostrils is known as Sitkari Pranayama”.

During this procedure, lips remain in a slightly parted position, making a sound like a snake. It is mentioned as part of Hatha Yoga.

What are the Benefits of Sitkari Pranayama?

The benefits or contraindications of any pranayama are decided by its nature. Sitkari pranayama has cooling effects on the body, so it will increase the temperature and reduce heat. If there are already symptoms of the diseases caused by the cold, then it is contraindicated. On the other hand, if there are symptoms of the heat-related disorder, then it will have healing effects on the body.

With the help of the above statement, you can find the benefits and contraindications by yourself. For the rest, here are the benefits:

• Reduce the heating effects of the body.
• Have the capability to reduce temperature in fever (don’t do in shivering fever).
• Reduce the acidity of the gastric glands and increase salivation, maintain a balance between acid and base production of the body.
• Improves digestion with pranic flow in the upper abdomen area.
• Enhances the glow of the skin and is good for curing skin diseases (if any).
• Reduce psychological issues like anger, frustration, and anxiety.
• According to Ayurveda (ancient healing science of Hinduism), it can balance pitta dosha in the whole body. 20+ categories of diseases can be caused by the imbalance of Pitta Dosha.
• It enhances the vitality of the practitioner and is helpful in the kundalini awakening.
• Develops immunity from various diseases in the body.

Read Also:- Yoga and Ayurveda Guide for the Spring

How to Perform Sitkari Pranayama?

Pranayama are performed after the poses of asanas, as poses are preparatory and energy channel opening steps. A special focus on the breathing technique should be given.

Here are the steps to follow to perform Seetkari Pranayama:

• Sit in a comfortable posture, like padmasana or sukhasana, with eyes closed and spine straight but firm.
• Now, clench your teeth and slightly open your lips to expose your teeth a little.
• Inhale air with slightly open lips, and you will hear the sound of ‘hiss’ like a snake. 
• Inhalation should be deep and slow.
• Now close your lips and keep air inside the body until you are comfortable in the same. This step is also known as the Kumbhaka in the Sanskrit texts.

Note: Some Yogi says it is better to perform Kumbhaka by focusing between the eye centre, which is not advisable without a master or a Guru.

• Now, in the same way, you have to exhale deeply and slowly.
• You can repeat the same procedure upto 15 times.

Related Post: Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)

Contraindications of the Sitkari Pranayama

Now, there are some conditions in which you have to avoid Seetkari Pranayama. They are related to cold problems. Here are the contraindications of the sitkari.

• If you have any kind of respiratory infection, then you must avoid Sitkari Pranayama.
• In cold, cough, and asthma problems, it is better to avoid this pranayama.
• During the winter season, it is not generally recommended.
• In case of low blood pressure patients, it should be avoided.

Final Thoughts

Sitkari pranayama is one of the best breathing techniques that increases immunity of the body and has a cooling down effect. Both dominant texts, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita, mention this pranayama as a balancing remedy for the Pitta Dosha. With Partham Yoga Creations, you can achieve knowledge of any pranayama or yogic poses. They are easily accessible through the contact details provided on the website.