If the nose is not breathing.

In yoga, breathing through the nose is paid much attention. The fact is that the nasopharynx is located closely to the cerebral hemispheres. Therefore, active nasal breathing stimulates the frontal lobes and, therefore, can awaken the dormant areas of the brain. According to observations of yogis, it develops the mind, improves memory and concentration, and sometimes awakens the hidden human capabilities, such as intuition and even clairvoyance.

In yoga, there is a special procedure of nose purification (neti), which is an integral part of the 6 main yogic purification practices (shatkarma-kriya). Here is a simple version of it, which does not require special preliminary training or special yoga asceticism.

So, the first step is to rinse the nostrils with water, releasing them from lumps of solidified nasal mucus. To do this, lightly draw water into the nostrils, and then forcibly blow it out. Usually, together with mucus, it also washes away the dust and dirt filtered by nose during breathing.

Then, perform the second step - nasal water abstersion. In yoga it is called Jal-neti. Fill a small teapot with warm, a little bit salty water (the ratio is 1 teaspoon to 0.5 liters of water). Stand over the sink, and while bending your head to the right insert the spout into the left nostril. Then, slowly pour water which gradually begins to flow from the right nostril. At this time, breathe through the mouth. If everything is done correctly, the water automatically flows from the bottom nostril, washing the nasopharynx. After a short rest, incline your head to the left and repeat the procedure from the right nostril to the left.

Lavage is a useful procedure, but remember that our nose is still for breathing. Therefore we need the third step - cleaning of the nose and thin nasal passages with air. This is carried out by the following exercise: inhale gently through the «difficult» nostril and exhale through the «easy» one (anuloma-viloma pranayama). Repeat several times, then relax a little.

The effect of this exercise is based on the fact that a thin stream of cool air activates circulation in the nasopharynx system, and it helps cleaning the nostril very quickly. It is useful to carry out the procedure of nose cleaning just before the exercise. Cold air slightly narrows the blood vessels, that is, acts as the nasal drops, but unlike medicines, it does not have side effects. If you do the exercise regularly, it's possible to completely get rid of colds with time.

Sometimes the «difficult» nostril opens if you lie on the opposite side for 3-5 minutes. A regular massage of nose wings near the bridge of nose is also helpful. Remember that nasal breathing is very helpful for the brain, so it is better to try to clean the «difficult» nostril. Gradually the habit of nasal breathing is fixed, and eventually you'll breathe by nose absolutely freely.