What is Shitkari Pranayama? Steps, Precautions & 8 Amazing Benefits of Shitkari Pranayama

Often called ‘hissing breath’, it is one of the alternatives to Shitali Pranayama. Some people have also named it the ‘Python’s breath’. Just like Shitali Pranayam, Shitkari Pranayama is also very beneficial in cooling the breath. In Shitkari Pranayama, you have to breathe in through the clenched teeth. 

Anatomical Implications

It is one of the Pranayamas, that has been seen to have positive implications on the lungs. You will be able to hold your breath for a long time as well. The body is able to expel the excess CO2. It is one of the cleansing methods, used in yoga. Many respiratory illness patients have recovered after having regularly practiced this Pranayama. 

How To Do Shitkari Pranayama?

As with all other Pranayamas, you have to do this Pranayama for the very first time, under the guidance of a trained yoga expert. 

• You have to sit in a meditative pose, like Padmasana or Sukhasana. 
• After you are settled in the pose, you have to close your eyes, and try to touch the upper roof of your mouth with the tongue. 
• While doing this, you have to clench your teeth. 
• Open the lips, and start inhaling the air. While doing this, you have to make a hissing sound. 
• After you are done with inhalation, you have to close your mouth, and breathe out through the nose. 
• You can try this for 8-10 rounds. 

Precautions Of Shitkari Pranayama

If you are a beginner, you should keep a few things in mind. They are as listed below. 

• The ratio of inhalation to exhalation is 1:1 in th beginning of the practice. 
• After you are comfortable with the process, you can increase the duration of exhalation to 2 or 4 times of inhalation. 
• The exhalation time should be more, so as to facilitate the exhalation process, and cleansing of the body. Double or four times, the amount of CO2 is breathed out. 
• If you have sufficient experience in doing Pranayamas, you can also practice breath retention and bandhas. 
• You should not practice Shitkari Pranayama in the winters. 
• If the surrounding is very dirty or polluted, you should refrain from doing Shitkari Pranayama. 

Benefits of Shitkari Pranayama

• Shitkari Pranayama helps the body and the brain in general to cool down. 
• The cooling effect comes through the hissing sound of the practice. It positively impacts the nervous system and endocrine glands. 
• If you have hypertension or depression, this pranayama is especially beneficial for you. As you practice this Pranayama on a regular basis, you can clear the extra heat from your body. 
• You can also balance the excess pitta. 
• It also eases hyperacidity from the intestinal area. 
• It also reduces hunger pangs. 
• If you have inflamed skin, you should practice Shitkari Pranayama. 

Contraindication Of Shitkari Pranayama

• If you suffer from Asthma, Bronchitis, and cold, you should avoid doing it. 
• All those who suffer from low blood pressure and cardiac ailments must avoid its practice. 
• All those who have chronic constipation or gastric issues, should avoid its practice. 
• If you have sensitive teeth, its practice may increase teeth sensation. 

Variations

One variation of Shitkari Pranayama, is the one in which you can retain the breath for a long time. If you practice retention, the holding capacity of the lungs increases manifold. The breath should also be exhaled for a considerable period of time. You should repeat the same for at least 20 times. 

Conclusion

Thus, you can do this Pranayama, if you want to cool the body in the summer months, and also increase your lung capacity. Moreover, the extended exhalation can help in the purification of your body, by getting rid of excess CO2. So, you will get rejuvenated quite fast.