PA-0200
At a glance
A cooling breath technique that draws air in over a curled tongue, creating a noticeably cool sensation on the inhale. It's a useful, low-effort tool for settling heat, whether physical or emotional, and it's distinctive enough that most students remember it easily.
“Let the inhale through the curled tongue feel genuinely cool.”
Essence
Not everyone can curl their tongue into the tube shape this technique traditionally uses, and that's a genetic trait rather than a skill to develop. The modified version, taught below, achieves a very similar cooling effect without requiring that specific tongue shape, and it's worth offering as a complete alternative rather than a fallback.
Intention
To create a cooling, calming inhale using the tongue's shape and moisture to lower the temperature of the incoming breath.
What this pose develops
Physical
- •Awareness of temperature sensation in the mouth and throat
- •Controlled, slow inhalation
- •A physiological cooling response, useful after heat-building practice
Mental
- •A calming effect, often used to settle irritability or overheated emotional states
- •A concrete sensory anchor (coolness) for attention
Teaching concepts
- •Offering the modified version immediately for anyone who can't curl their tongue, without framing it as a lesser option
- •Cueing the technique as a genuine temperature tool, useful timing-wise after vigorous practice
How to practise
- 1Sit comfortably, and curl the tongue lengthwise into a tube shape, extending it slightly past the lips. If the tongue doesn't curl this way, purse the lips instead, leaving a small gap.
- 2Inhale slowly through the curled tongue or pursed lips, feeling the cool sensation of the air.
- 3Draw the tongue back in, close the mouth, and exhale slowly through the nose.
- 4Repeat for several rounds, noticing the cooling sensation building with each one.
Alignment exploration
Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:
- •Spine long, shoulders relaxed, seated comfortably.
Breath
The inhale should be slow enough to genuinely feel the cooling sensation, not rushed. The exhale through the nose is unremarkable by comparison and simply resets for the next round.
Teacher’s eye
Offer the pursed-lip variation immediately and without singling anyone out, since roughly a third of people can't curl their tongue into the tube shape due to genetics rather than lack of practice. Presenting both versions together from the start avoids making it a moment of comparison.
Student practice
Reflect after practising:
- •If you can't curl your tongue, the pursed-lip version gives a very similar cooling sensation. It's not a consolation prize.
- •This is a nice technique to reach for after a heated practice, or anytime you notice yourself feeling overheated, physically or emotionally.
Common movement strategies
Rather than mistakes, you may notice:
- •Practice both the curled-tongue and pursed-lip versions to find which one produces a clearer cooling sensation for your particular anatomy.
Modifications
- •Pursed-lip inhale instead of the curled tongue, for anyone whose tongue doesn't curl into the traditional shape.
Completion check
- ✓Let the breath return to normal, noticing any lingering coolness or settling before moving on.
Related poses
Prepares for
Complements
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Progressions
Regressions
Related movement concepts
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