3 SIMPLE WAYS THAT CAN PROTECT YOU FROM SMOG

While environmental solutions may not happen quick, here are a few asanas suggested by Yogi Ashwini to help you through.

Delhi went breathless post Diwali with increased pollution levels. Blame it on fireworks, automobiles or industries, the smog can take a toll on your body especially the lungs, opening gates for a plethora of ailments. Here’re 3 techniques from Sanatan Kriya to keep your lungs strong, and your system humming and free from toxins.

Nadi Shodhnam Pranayama

It is a fairly simple breathing exercise that can be done anytime, anywhere.

– Sit in vajarasana (sitting on the heels with legs folded). You can do it even while sitting straight on a chair.

– Place the middle finger of the right hand at the center of the eyebrows. The thumb rests on the right nose while the ring finger is used to control the left. The left hand rests on the thigh.

– Keeping your eyes shut, inhale from the right nostril, and exhale from the left.

– Next, inhale from the left nostril and exhale from the right. This completes one cycle.

– Repeat this cycle 7 times.

– Inhale to a count of 4 and exhale to a count of 8 or 12 depending on your personal capacity.

The pranayam stimulates the flow of prana in the three major nadis of the body, burns the toxins and cleanses the system.

 Jal Neti

This is a practice in which saline water mixed with a pinch of turmeric is taken in through one nostril and taken out through another. While this procedure can be done pretty easily at home, it requires some amount of practice and is best done under the supervision of a yoga instructor.

Saline water is the best cleansing medium, which absorbs and washes away infectious pathogens accumulated in the nasal passage. Turmeric is a disinfectant, antiseptic and scouring agent. To know more about it, visit www.dhyanfoundation.com.

Nasayam

This is essentially a practice where warm oil (generally a blend made with Ayurvedic herbs) is poured into the nostrils to clear the nasal passage. However, it can be done with any natural oil or pure ghee.

– Warm pure ghee (made out of cow’s milk) to a bearable temperature.

– Lie down flat on your back and let the head hang down, bending the neck backwards.

– Using a dropper pour about 5 drops of ghee in each nostril.

– Keep lying in this position for 5 minutes.

– Spit out any oil that may have reached the throat.

Ghee lubricates the nasal passage and strengthens the mucous membranes against infections.

Tip: It’s best to massage the face with warm oil before taking the drops.

These techniques are recommended under the supervision of a yoga instructor. You can also visit Dhyan Foundation center to learn them.

Yogi Ashwini is the spiritual head of Dhyan Foundation.