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Home > Complementary Medicines >Yoga > Articles |
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progressed people; yet there are so many factors on which we have just no control. We may control pollution, but we cannot control the aftermath arising out of pollution. Scientists working at the University of Pune's department
of health sciences have already sounded alarm bells on the hazardous effects
of vehicular pollution on human body and mind. Children are worst affected
and that too at thrice the rate of adults. And it is going to take heavy
toll in very near future. And the irony is, it may kill us slowly and
not only that, it will see that all hospitals will be full admitting
the patients of asthma, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer all sorts of
infections, respiratory problems, digestive disorders (also due to pollution),
running nose, common cold & cough, allergies, septic pharyngitis (throat
infection), migraine, mental tensions and stress, loss of memory and concentration,
headaches, sinus, problems of the eyes, epilepsy, psychosomatic disorders,
depression, stress related disorders, and the list is ever ending. Jala Neti (Nasal Wash) : One of the cleansing processes: In Hatha-Yoga there are simple techniques for cleaning the upper respiratory tract or system or the nostrils. Behind our nose lies a part called as nasopharynx. We cannot clean this nasopharynx by blowing of nose. It is known as Shuddhi Kriyas or cleansing process or nasal wash. It plays very important role in cleaning nasal cavity & nasopharynx. This ensures healthy and pollution free breathing and sensitivity for subtle experience that lead to inner awakening. Neti can be called a "nasal douche". Take warm water, which is slightly above the body temperature. Add salt to this water at the rate of half a teaspoon per glass of 300 ml. This is equal to the salinity of the mucous secretions in the respiratory system. If the water is warmer or colder or the salt is more or less; there will be some irritation in the inner system, which may cause discomfort. Saturated salt water has high osmotic pressure. It is a law in physics that fluid flows from low osmotic pressure to higher osmotic pressure. In inflammatory conditions of nasal cavity including sinuses, there is congestion and edema of nasal mucosa. Naturally during "Jalaneti" fluid from mucosal cells comes out which relieves the congestion and edema very fast. This helps in better functioning of mucosal cells and also opens up closed openings of the sinuses in nasal cavity. In our nose there are nerve endings of olfactory nerve, which are responsible for our sense of smell. During "Jalaneti" these nerve endings are stimulated saline that give us very pleasant sensations. These pleasant sensations have a very beneficial effect on centre of emotions located in limbic systems of brain. This center of emotions has connections in medulla oblongata. The centers for control of BP, respirations are located in medulla oblongata. The favourable effects on centre of emotions also effect the medulla and can relax the person thoroughly. This may help in relieving high BP, asthma or even epilepsy. These all ailments are very closely related to emotions. If you have a problem of DNS (deflected nasal septum), then you have to practice Sutra-Neti first and then come to Jala-Neti.
To have a nasal wash with saline luke warm water. Fit the nozzle of the pot into the nostril (let the septum be horizontal). Star pouring water into any one nostril, water automatically is drained from the other nostril. During the process use only the mouth to breathe. What is required is a small pot with a spout, see the picture in bracket, which can be inserted in one of the nostrils. Care should be taken that we breathe in and out through mouth only; so that water does not enter the windpipe. This can make one cough or choke. However, just practice a few deep gargles till the choking sensation subsides. Initially, some discomfort is caused by droplets of water sticking to the mucous membrane after practicing Neti. These can be expelled by rapidly exhaling air by contracting the stomach in rapid jerky moves in quick succession. Therefore I advice, it is better to practice Jala-Neti under the guidance of an expert Yoga teacher. Jalaneti should be followed by:
Neti is also practiced with the soft cotton strings. This is known as "Sutra Neti". This process is must for those people whose bone in the nose is bigger than normal. People who suffer from frequent nasal bleeding should not practice Jala-Neti or if they do, only under expert's supervision. People who are sensitive to the administration of nasal drops also should learn to practice neti under the guidance of a qualified Yoga-teacher. People who suffer from chronic colds or those who breathe in toxic fumes, like tobacco smoke, suffer from impaired vision or hearing in the long run. If the upper respiratory system remains congested with mucous secretions and other impurities like dust particles, smoke emitting out of diesel and petrol vehicles; and microbes in the air, there are chances of bacterial infection, which is normally diagnosed as septic pharyngitis. Air passages behind the nose and the mouth is also connected to air captivities behind the eyes and the eardrums. These passages help to protect the delicate organs of the audio-visual system against fluctuations in the external atmospheric pressure. And thus the JalNeti plays are important role in the upper respiratory system in the human body to work round that clock. Compiled by: Dr. Nitin Unkule
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