Śītalī comes from the Sanskrit root śīt meaning “cool” or “calm.” It is a yogic breathing technique where inhalation is drawn in through a rolled tongue (or tube-shaped tongue) and exhaled through the nose. The breath feels cool as it enters, reducing body heat and...

Śītkārī is derived from śīt (cooling) and kārī (that which produces). Unlike Śītalī, in Śītkārī the tongue is placed behind slightly opened teeth, and the inhalation is drawn in through the teeth, producing a gentle hissing sound. The exhalation is then released...