sandeyeThe Theory: The Kriyas 1: Neti & Kapalabhati
April 23rd 2008 16:23
I must admit that when reading my first Yoga manual, the Kriyas was a section that made me screw up my face and read very fast, not taking too much notice as I did not aim to bother with such grossness. A few months later, I had practiced the Asanas, Pranayama, and meditation sufficiently to realize that eventually I would be taking a look at all other areas of Yoga - even the Kriyas. However, I did not actually get started until a friend of mine recommended a Neti Pot for assistance with my sinus problems. The suggestion came at a time when I was open to further exploration.
I am currently feeling somewhat adventurous and interested again, so began to take a new look at the Kriyas - with the POSSIBILITY of attempting, if not continuing with some of them. After having hurried through the sections of several other manuals borrowed from the library over the past few months, I took up the book I had actually purchased and opened it up to the appropriate page. I was delighted to find my reaction remained favorable, especially when reading that Kapalabhati was one of the Kriyas - as I already perform this within my personal Yoga routine whenever I do not have sinus problems! (I have described it previously in an earlier post, for those interested.)
I have also written in a former post of my introduction to Jala Neti, so will only briefly revisit to mention that I now practice this regularly, if not everyday. It manages to keep my nose fresh and empty, even if nothing seems to clear my entire head. It is one of the least disgusting 'next stage's and one I would now recommend onwards to others, having benefited from it myself for many months. On most occasions, I am now able to salt my pot, get the water the correct temperature, and stand at the correct angles for the pouring and drying procedures.
I have yet to succeed with the second stage, where one pours water into a nostril, but lets it pour out the mouth rather than other nostril. I did attempt this on two occasions. On the first, the water simply continued to pour out the other nostril. Whether I was standing at the wrong angle or whether I was not proceeding correctly, I am as yet uncertain. On the second occasion, I was slightly tilted incorrectly, and the water felt like it was heading that way any way - however, I corrected my position for stage one. When considering attempting stage two, I recalled the taste of saltiness in the back of my throat and chickened out. When I am past my head-sinus problem, I seriously intend to tackle this second stage, as I am convinced it will be of benefit if I can get it to work properly. I have both the instruction booklet that came with my Neti Pot and my Yoga manual…
I have not yet attempted Sutra Neti - though I have stopped screwing up my face when reading of it and my thinking has moved from "NO WAY!" to "Hmm, I wonder…" As I have not yet written about this, I will describe the procedure. Basically, one has to obtain a wax cord. I have not yet searched for such a thing, but I am sure they will have such at the same place I purchased my Neti Pot, or maybe at the local health and sports store.
With the piece of waxed cord, which reportedly should be around 12 inches long, you first dip it into a salt solution, much as you would be making for your Jala Neti. Next, you stick the end of the cord into your nostril and insert it into the hole at the end. Hopefully, the end will eventually appear at the back of your mouth and you will be able to - using washed hands - pull it through and out. However, one manual says that this may take some practice to perfect, and another warns that you may experience the cord beginning to go down your throat or being stuck in your nostril until you have practiced. Although this may sound rather revolting a technique, I am convinced that it would be beneficial for me to try it out, and possibly stick with it. Firstly, I need to locate a place that sells 12-inch pieces of waxed cord!
I am currently feeling somewhat adventurous and interested again, so began to take a new look at the Kriyas - with the POSSIBILITY of attempting, if not continuing with some of them. After having hurried through the sections of several other manuals borrowed from the library over the past few months, I took up the book I had actually purchased and opened it up to the appropriate page. I was delighted to find my reaction remained favorable, especially when reading that Kapalabhati was one of the Kriyas - as I already perform this within my personal Yoga routine whenever I do not have sinus problems! (I have described it previously in an earlier post, for those interested.)
I have also written in a former post of my introduction to Jala Neti, so will only briefly revisit to mention that I now practice this regularly, if not everyday. It manages to keep my nose fresh and empty, even if nothing seems to clear my entire head. It is one of the least disgusting 'next stage's and one I would now recommend onwards to others, having benefited from it myself for many months. On most occasions, I am now able to salt my pot, get the water the correct temperature, and stand at the correct angles for the pouring and drying procedures.
I have yet to succeed with the second stage, where one pours water into a nostril, but lets it pour out the mouth rather than other nostril. I did attempt this on two occasions. On the first, the water simply continued to pour out the other nostril. Whether I was standing at the wrong angle or whether I was not proceeding correctly, I am as yet uncertain. On the second occasion, I was slightly tilted incorrectly, and the water felt like it was heading that way any way - however, I corrected my position for stage one. When considering attempting stage two, I recalled the taste of saltiness in the back of my throat and chickened out. When I am past my head-sinus problem, I seriously intend to tackle this second stage, as I am convinced it will be of benefit if I can get it to work properly. I have both the instruction booklet that came with my Neti Pot and my Yoga manual…
I have not yet attempted Sutra Neti - though I have stopped screwing up my face when reading of it and my thinking has moved from "NO WAY!" to "Hmm, I wonder…" As I have not yet written about this, I will describe the procedure. Basically, one has to obtain a wax cord. I have not yet searched for such a thing, but I am sure they will have such at the same place I purchased my Neti Pot, or maybe at the local health and sports store.
With the piece of waxed cord, which reportedly should be around 12 inches long, you first dip it into a salt solution, much as you would be making for your Jala Neti. Next, you stick the end of the cord into your nostril and insert it into the hole at the end. Hopefully, the end will eventually appear at the back of your mouth and you will be able to - using washed hands - pull it through and out. However, one manual says that this may take some practice to perfect, and another warns that you may experience the cord beginning to go down your throat or being stuck in your nostril until you have practiced. Although this may sound rather revolting a technique, I am convinced that it would be beneficial for me to try it out, and possibly stick with it. Firstly, I need to locate a place that sells 12-inch pieces of waxed cord!
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