Exploring the Impact of Sheetali Pranayama on Anxiety: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Sheetali Pranayama, a traditional yogic “cooling breath,” has attracted growing interest as a complementary approach for anxiety reduction. This literature review critically examines existing research on the physiological, neurophysiological, and psychological effects of Sheetali Pranayama to evaluate its potential impact on anxiety. Empirical findings demonstrate that the practice produces immediate decreases in heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic activation while enhancing parasympathetic response, indicating improved autonomic balance. Neurophysiological evidence further shows increases in alpha and theta brainwave activity, reflecting enhanced relaxation. Although direct studies on Sheetali Pranayama in clinically anxious populations are limited, related pranayama research suggests moderate reductions in anxiety symptoms across diverse groups, particularly adolescents and individuals with generalized anxiety. Overall, the findings suggest that Sheetali Pranayama may serve as a safe and accessible adjunctive technique for anxiety management.