Sitali Pranayam is the second of several techniques we’ll cover in the “Intro to Pranayama” series.

The sanskrit can be loosely translated to “cooling breath,” and it is a breathing technique that promotes a calming effect on the nervous system and a cooling effect on the body (you’ll definitely feel it as you practice this breath).

While this technique features a curled tongue (which is a genetic trait - either you can, or you can’t), fear not if you’re not able to do this! I’ve provided separate instructions for those with this trait and a modification for those without.

Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is the first of several techniques we’ll cover in the “Intro to Pranayama” series.

The sanskrit phrase breaks down into two parts: nadi, meaning channel (flow), and shodhana, meaning purification. Together, the phrase highlights how we can use the breath to help clear the subtle energy channels that exist within the body and mind.

Pranayama - also referred to as breathwork - focuses on breathing techniques that can be traced back to the traditional yogic practice originating in ancient India.

Pranayama posits that our bodies are prime repositories for emotional and physical blocks, as well as stress, all of which impact our life force energy: our breath (prana). When prana is stuck, we might notice this in a variety of ways: jaw tension, muscle tightness, anxiety, overwhelm, etc. Pranayama, therefore, is a vehicle through which we can start to clear these blocks, allow prana to move freely, and help our bodies “clear the clutter,” so to speak.

Technically, you don't need any props to practice yoga, but for many (myself included), props are helpful tools that make yoga more adaptive to our unique bodies and needs. Accordingly, their purpose is to enhance, strengthen, and add sukha (ease) to your practice. 

It is also important to note that while props are helpful, they can also be expensive. As a result, I've provided inexpensive at home options for you in the descriptions that follow.

Before we get started, however, I find it important to note that, if you asked me to use props at the beginning of my yoga practice, I would have turned up my nose - because, as a novice, I was under the impression that yoga props were “crutches.”

Now that I’m a yoga teacher with 10+ years of practice under my belt, however, let me tell you why I was oh so very wrong - and why I think that everyone should play with props on the regular:

Let’s get real for a minute.

You’ve decided you want to start doing yoga at home (or maybe even at your local yoga studio), so you throw on your favorite leggings, grab your yoga mat and water bottle, and search for your favorite Wild Yogi Studio class. You are ALL IN, baby.

This practice is the one that’s going to kickstart your new yoga habit: You’re going to practice every day or x times per week, and you’re going to feel so good and everything is just feeling awesome; your motivation is at an all time high, and you’re doin the damn thing. *cue applause*