Neti -- The sanitizer of the respiratory tract

 

Neti --- The sanitizer of the respiratory tract

We are amid a pandemic across the globe for the last 2 years. Even after advanced modern science and medicine millions of people suffered and died of corona virus. In the beginning of the pandemic scientists and doctors were not prepared and aware of the correct treatment but now we have so many studies and data to understand the disease and treatment. Now we all are aware of common symptoms and know how it impaired our immune system. The trend showed that it is difficult to prevent spreading the virus but certainly we can take precaution to reduce a severe outcome. Experts believe that the virus spread from person to person by droplets or aerosols when an infected person sneezes or coughs or talks. The virus can stay in the air or surface for a few hours, and it can spread very fast through the person who comes in contact. We can reduce the risk of spreading by using masks or sanitizer, yet we cannot stop the spreading fully. Most of the time people are not aware of the infection because symptoms can surface 2 or 3 days later, till then the infected person can spread it to many other people without knowing it. To our relieves vaccines are now available which cannot stop the spreading completely but minimize the death rate and prevent us from getting severe and life-threatening consequences.

Observing the symptoms and transmission the most vulnerable organs are the nasal passage, lungs, throat, respiratory, digestive, and the immune system. The first system to get affected is our respiratory system through our nasal passage, which blocks our lungs and leads to digestive imbalances and further to immune system weakness. If we take care of our nasal passage and clean it with lukewarm water and salt, it can help to reduce further health issues and severe problems.

Neti (Nasal Cleansing):

Neti is one powerful method to clean the respiratory tract directly through lukewarm water and salt with the help of a specially designed neti pot (see pic). It is one of the hatha yoga practices developed to detox the nasal passage. Regular practice of neti can prevent allergy, cough and cold, lungs infection, asthma, sinusitis and other respiratory tract diseases. It can remove mucus and pollutants from nasal passage and sinuses allowing air to flow freely to the lungs and carry enough oxygen.

During corona infection:

Although Neti is a preventive method to maintain general health of the respiratory system, it is absolutely safe to do it even during your infection if you have mild symptoms. Presumed your nose is not fully closed. If the nasal passage is fully blocked, then it cannot be done properly. You must wait until the nasal passage is open for water to flow. It is a very good option to keep our respiratory system healthy, ensure supply of oxygen, and prevent it from infected and polluted air. Neti has powerful effects on our mind too. It can also alleviate anxiety and depression and relieve feelings of heaviness from the head. Regular practice can keep us alert, aware and more sensitive to subtle changes in our body. We develop more patience and focus about our own body and the environment.

After corona infection:

Those who already recovered from corona infection can also start the practice of neti to detox the respiratory system and lungs for fresh air and oxygen. Our body has the capacity to heal naturally. Practice of neti is natural cleanser and it can be used to regain natural functioning of respiratory system and boost immune system without use of any outside influence or medicine.

How to do:

Take lukewarm water in neti pot and mix little salt in it. You have to put the neti pot in one nostril by tilting head down and the water will starts coming out from another nostril. Repeat the same through the other side. It can be done daily or 3 – 4 times in a week.

 

(practice shown in video)

 

Sheetali / Sheetkari (The Cooler)

 

Sheetali / Sheetkari (The Cooler)

The word Sheetali and Sheetkari derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sheet’, which means cold or calm or passionless or soothing. These two pranayama are very simple and easy to do and give instant cooling effect. Both are almost having same effects and benefits with few contraindications. These techniques should not be practiced in polluted atmosphere and cold weather. It can be done after asanas and other dynamic exercises to restore normal body temperature.

 

🔶    How to do?

Sheetali: Sit in comfortable posture with clean atmosphere and hands resting on knees in any mudra. Relaxing for a while physically and mentally extend your tongue out as much as possible and fold it upward to make a tube. Inhale deeper through the folded tongue and then close mouth after drawing the tongue inside and exhale through the nose. Feeling of coolness will be experienced in the roof of the mouth and esophagus. This is one round. You can practice 10 to 15 rounds. 

 

Sheetkari: Sitting postures should be same as Sheetkari. Hold the teeth together lightly and open lips to expose the teeth. Then inhale deeply through the teeth keeping tongue flat and relax inside. After inhalation, close lips and exhale from nose. This is one round. You can do 10 to 15 rounds.

✔️    Benefits

These practices cool body and mind. They affect important brain centers associated with biological drives and temperature regulation. People having high blood pressure, hyper thyroid, acidity, can do regularly. They induce muscles relaxation and mental tranquility as well as reduce hunger and thirst. Women getting hot flashes can practice regular. These practices also induces calming and soothing effects to tranquilize the brain for better sleep. Regular practice of these pranayama can reduce anxiety, restless mind and over excitement.

❌ Precaution

People suffering from respiratory illness, such as - asthma, cough & cold, low blood pressure, depression, chronic constipation should avoid these pranayama. Winter season and cool weather are not suitable for these pranayama. Surrounding should be clean during the practice.