As the month of May proceeds, temperatures start to rise gradually across India. This scorching heat makes it difficult for you to step out of the house during the day time when the sun is shining bright. The rising temperatures can cause many problems like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration and so on. Of all, the most serious one is heatstroke.
Practicing yoga during a heatwave can be an effective way to find relief from the sweltering temperatures. To understand how yoga helps in providing relief from heatstroke, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, Author, Columnist, Bengaluru.
Akshar said, “Yoga not only helps you stay physically active but also promotes a sense of mental calmness and relaxation, both of which are essential during the trying times of a heatwave.”
One of the most infamous health problems caused by heat is heat stroke. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature and it rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment. Here are some yoga practices suggested by Akshar that can help you beat the heat.
1. Cooling Pranayamas (Breathing Exercises)
- Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath): This breathing technique involves rolling the tongue and inhaling through the mouth. It cools the breath and, consequently, the body.
- Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing Breath): Similar to Sheetali, but instead of rolling the tongue, you part your lips slightly and inhale through the gap, producing a hissing sound.
2. Restorative Poses
- Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose): This inverted pose helps regulate blood flow and can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): This gentle hip-opener can be practiced with the support of a wall or bolsters, promoting relaxation.
3. Forward Bends
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This pose stretches the hamstrings and spine, and the forward fold position can have a cooling effect on the body.
- Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend): This standing forward fold can be performed with bent knees, allowing you to release tension in the back and legs.
4. Twists
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Twist): Twists can help improve digestion and release tension in the spine, providing a sense of relief.
- Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Spinal Twist): This reclining twist can be performed on the floor, allowing for a deeper release and a calming effect.
5. Backbends
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose): Backbends can help open the chest and promote a sense of vitality, which can be refreshing during a heatwave.
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose): This gentle backbend can be practiced with support under the shoulders, allowing for a more restorative experience.
6. Meditation and Relaxation
- Practicing meditation techniques like breath awareness or body scanning can help calm the mind and promote a sense of inner coolness.
- Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep): This guided relaxation practice can induce a state of deep rest and relaxation, providing respite from the heat.
Sharing advice Akshar said, “Remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after your yoga practice, and consider practicing in a cooler environment, such as an air-conditioned room or early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Additionally, avoid practicing in direct sunlight and opt for gentler, restorative practices during a heatwave to prevent overexertion.”
Conclusion
Concluding, Akshar said, “Yoga can be an invaluable ally in finding relief and maintaining a sense of balance during the challenging conditions of a heatwave.” By incorporating these cooling practices into your routine, you can cultivate a sense of inner coolness and tranquility, even when the external temperatures soar.