The perfect pairing of summer pranayamas, Sitali and Sitkari are unique mouth breathing practices that cool the body temperature down, induce an inner calm, and care for our heart.

Designed to bridge the connection between breath, body, and mind, Bhramari pranayama encourages inward focus and sensory engagement. Whether used as a grounding tool, a therapeutic practice, or simply an enjoyable way to experience breathwork, the humming breath remains a powerful method for cultivating inner peace and well-being.

The koshas are where the effects of soul care are felt—through mindfulness, meditation, prana, chakras, and much more. While the subtle energy of the koshas may seem mystical or cosmic, they represent real, tangible experiences—it’s where yoga truly happens.

Regardless of which side we breathe, prana remains in constant motion. The breath manipulation of Nadi Shodhana leads to a gentler, softer self with greater mental focus and calm. While breathing through one side isn’t necessarily better than the other, each side offers its own subtle benefits.

Nadi Shodhana, a foundational pranayama practice, is a breathing technique that uses prana to restore balance to the mind. Commonly known as alternate nostril breathing, the practice involves alternating the breath between the right and left nostrils, using the fingers to gently close one nostril at a time.

Prana is the spark within the breath that enables life to happen and continue. It is both the energy of the breath itself and the energy that emerges from it.

While there are several pranayama practices, they fall into one of two categories. The first is samavritti pranayama–it’s when the inhalation, exhalation, and retention of breath are for the same length. The second is visamavritti pranayama–when the four phases of breath are held for different lengths, normally with an extended exhale. Choosing the appropriate breathing ratio for the task is based on two things: what is possible and what are your goals.

Breath is involuntary, it happens without thought, and yet is the singular most important thing the body does. Everything relies on continued repetition of the inhale and the exhale.

Yoga is so much more than the physical practice of the asanas. Meditation isn’t its own separate thing, it’s a part of the larger practice. The eight limbs of yoga provide a path to guide us on how to treat ourselves, how to focus our energy, and how to be in the world.