Neti: Nose cleansing

By Joachim Rodenbeck

Neti Nose cleansing

Rinsing your nose with salt water not only prevents colds, Neti also relaxes the entire nasal cavity and affects the surrounding areas: eyes, ears, throat and brain - thus influencing your mental state.

Nose cleansing can be used to counteract the effects of air pollution. It stimulates the mucous membranes by activating the small cilia which transport impurities up from the windpipe and lungs. Neti is used together with a breathing exercise which, as well as removing the remaining water after nose cleansing, oxygenates the blood and cleanses the air passages. Neti together with this breathing exercise alleviates sinus problems.

This is just one of the cleansing processes in yoga. With another practice you gain control over the abdominal muscles and move the muscles in such a way that tensions are relieved; this clears or prevents clogging of the glands.

Another process involves the rinsing of the entire intestinal and digestive system with saline water. This practice helps to free you from tension and heightens your energy.

Brushing your teeth is also part of the yogic cleansing processes.

Please visit http://www.scand-yoga.org for more information.