---

The human nose plays key roles in filtering, warming, and humidifying air before it reaches the lungs. It is also closely tied to taste and memory and acts as the first line of defence against airborne pathogens. Clean nasal passages are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It allows smooth, unrestricted airflow, ensuring that the body receives sufficient oxygen. Its filtration of the air protects the lungs and prevents infections. Clean passages also help ensure restful sleep and better oxygenation. 

The nasal passage generally suffers from dust accumulation and stuffing. This is especially so when one sleeps on one side and the refuse begins to encrust on the other side, which then gets blocked. This impairs natural breathing and blood with less oxygen circulates in the body resulting in a functional disturbance in the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and other systems. The cumulative effect is a lowering of the vital index.

Physiologic Yoga contends that the closure of one nostril reacts unfavourably on the energy cycle of an individual because the harmony between the left (Ida) and right (Pingala) electromagnetic currents gets disturbed. It also affects the temperature and pulse, and therefore, the health curve detracts much from thinking and concentration. This condition, however, could be easily avoided by timely and daily care of the nasal organs.

The easiest and safest way of nasal cleaning is done using warm saline water. Water is sucked in through one nostril and let out through the other and alternated. This is known as Jala neti. To do Jala neti, boil a cup of water, cool it a bit, and add salt to make it taste like a tear. Take some water in one palm and inhale the same as in suction through one nostril at a time using the hand on the same side as the nostril. The practice can be repeated two to three times a day during cold or other nasal ailments. This will keep the area open, and one can breathe freely. 

This process cools the brain, calms the nervous system, and improves vision. This is also considered an excellent treatment for catarrh and a splendid natural stimulant to the membranes and nerve endings in the nasal passages. Through the stimulation of these nerve endings, it has a tonic effect on the brain and the nervous system. 

The practice purifies the air sinuses, and tones up the optic nerves, thus improving sight. Diseases like tonsillitis, mumps, sinusitis and even influenza, tuberculosis, and rheumatism could be easily prevented by taking good care of the nose. Cleansing the nostrils is also the cure for the insane and will diminish insanity by 90%.

---

Related Articles

Yoga meet in Mysoore

Another reason to love yoga: It can reduce depression and anxiety

Ujjayi Pranayama – calms the mind, warms the body

Experience Yoga close at the conclave in Pune

International Yoga Day – Yoga for harmony and peace

Yoga center inaugurated