Shwasana Marga Shuddhi
(The Nasal Cleansing Process)
For 10 X 3 expulsions Three rounds Breathing: As described
| Contra-Indications | Obstructions in nostrils, blocked nose or any organic defect, growth of bone or flesh in the nasal passage and excessive septum deviation. |
| Starting Pose | Sit stretching the legs, keeping them together. Fold the left leg at the knee and with the hands hold the left sole, turn it up and Ex it on the right groin. Fold the right leg at the knee and fix the upturned right sole on the left groin with the help of the hands. This is the final pose of Padmasana (If this is not possible, fix only one upturned sole on the opposite groin and place the other folded leg below it. This pose is called Ardha Padmasana Catch hold of the respective knees with the cupped palms ( Drona Mudra ). |
| Technique | Close the right nostril with the right thumb, the elbow being in line with the shoulder and the four fingers closed into a fist. Breathe out forcefully and swiftly with a sudden contraction of the abdomen and chest. Inhale passively after each exhalation, relaxing the chest and the abdomen. Perform the same actions successively ten times. Then close the left nostril by the left thumb and repeat the same technique ten times. Then repeat the same actions by both the nostrils ten times. This is one round. |
| Releasing the Pose | Slowly release the legs one after the other in the reverse order, stretch them to the starting pose and relax. |
| Benefits | Cleans the nasal passages, helps breathing comfortably and prevents respiratory troubles. |
| Note: | Keep a kerchief handy for cleaning the nose. |
Reference:Yogic Practices
Author :Yogacharya Sadashiv Nimbalkar