The (inter)Neti Connection

Sinusitis affects millions of people each year (and the numbers are climbing with the increase in air pollution and antibiotic resistence).  Your sinuses consist of four pairs of air-filled cavities behind and around your eyes and nose area.  They filter the air you breathe, and keep germs from sneaking into your lungs.  And when you're under attack by the cold virus, your sinus membranes will swell, causing blockage.  Once blocked, your mucus cannot drain properly, resulting in a bacterial infection, and the next thing you know, the area around your eyebrows and cheeks hurt, and you'll have coloured nasal discharge.  Yucks! 

For centuries, yogis everywhere have traditionally chanted the mantra "Om" to help with focusing the mind, opening and closing a yoga practice (be it asana, pranayama or meditation) and to awaken Vishuddha, the fifth (throat) chakra.  And old copy of the Yoga Journal documented that Swedish researchers discovered that chanting or humming the Om can also help to ventilate and open the sinuses as well as ward off infections.  In-ter-es-ting.

Some time around Week 3 of my stay in Mysore, I studied about the Shatkriyas.  The term Shatkarma or Shatkriya means 'six actions'.  Ancient rishis considered these actions to be crucial to yoga.  "In yoga, control of the body starts with the cleansing processes known as the kriyas, the first step to eliminate poisonous substances accumulated in the system”.  The six kriyas are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Nauli, Trataka and Kapalabathi Pranayama.

Most of us have heard of two, maybe three of such kriyas, but barely practice one on a regular basis.

Here, I'll elaborate on the Neti : there are 2 types, Jala Neti and Sutra Neti.

Jala Neti is done with the help of a Neti Pot.  Neti pots are made of plastic, ceramic or stainless steel and usually holds about 450ml of liquid.  They resemble a small teapot with a long, thin, tapered spout.  

The Neti Pot

1. To use, fill the Neti Pot with warm salt water (salt is important as it helps to flush out the nasal and sinus fluids). 
2. Bring the pot to your face, and insert the spout well into one nostril.
3. Breathe in through your nose.
4. Tip your head to allow the fluid to flow out through the other nostril, while exhaling from your mouth.
5. Do this til the pot is empty.
6. Stand over a sink or bathroom floor, and practise Kapalabathi Pranayama to get rid of access mucus.
7. Refill, then repeat on the other side.

The Sutra Neti, on the other hand is slightly more tricky and a lot less comfortable.  It requires a rubber catheter to be inserted waaaaay back into one nostril, and out from the mouth!  You'll then need to gently move the rubber catheter up and down between nostril and mouth, to thoroughly cleanse the nasal passage.  Do expect much choking, sneezing, gagging or even slight bleeding from the nose.  However, this kriya is most effective in opening the nasal passages to their fullest capacity.

The Sutra Neti (or Tonsil Tickler)

Do note  however, if you're prone to nosebleeds or nasal polyps, it's best to avoid this kriya.

Neti Pots are easily available.  If you're in Kuala Lumpur, you can get them from the Indian shops in Brickfields or Masjid India (they cost about RM10 each).

So, the next time your yoga teacher chants "Om" in class, do participate with an open heart, mind (and mouth).  That might just unleash some clarity in your breathing.

To happy breaths and sinus-free days.