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Sheetali gives control over hunger and thirst, and generates a feeling of satisfaction. It also reduces inflammations, fever, bile and acidity, and is useful in eliminating peptic and mouth ulcers. The sound produced during sheetali is an imitation of the respiration of a serpent. It is said that one who practises it regularly will not be affected by the bite of serpents and scorpions.
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ESY -
Sheetkari Pranayama Technique I: basic method
Sit in any comfortable meditation posture. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Hold the teeth lightly together. Separate the lips, exposing the teeth. The tongue may be kept flat or folded against the soft palate in khechari mudra (see Appendix C). Inhale slowly and deeply through the teeth. At the end of the inhalation, close the mouth. Exhale slowly through the nose in a controlled manner. This is one round.
Practise 11 rounds, gradually increasing to 21. Advanced practice: As for sheetali pranayama technique 2. Awareness: On the hissing sound and the cooling sensation
of the inhaled breath. Contra-indications: As for sheetali pranayama. Practitioners
with sensitive teeth, missing teeth or dentures should
practise sheetali pranayama instead. Precautions: As for sheetali pranayama. Benefits: As for sheetali pranayama, with the additional
advantage that it keeps the teeth and gums healthy.
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