Vyut Krama Kapalbhati (Nasal Cleansing Process) is one of the subdivisions of Kapalbhati described in Gherand Smahita and is similar to Jalneti. It means, “expelling system”. In this process, you inhale lukewarm salted water through nostril and spit it out from the mouth. The nostril to mouth passage is cleansed.
Water & Salt Ratio: Take lukewarm water, same as your body temperature i.e. 98.4 Deg. F or 37 Deg. C, dissolve one-teaspoon salt to half a liter of water. It is important to use salt-water instead plain water, as salt water does not get easily absorbed in the delicate blood vessels & membranes due to osmotic pressure. Pour the water in a small cup to the brim.
Method
Step 1: You will need to perform Vyut Krama near a sink.
Step 2: Hold the glass or cup of water in your right hand; lean forward a little towards the sink; block the left nostril with the left thumb; bring the glass or cup of water close to right nostril and place your right nostril almost in the water by slightly tilting your head to the right. Your mouth is closed.
Step 3: Sniff the water into your right nostril slowly with long inhalation. Basically, you are inhaling the water inside your right nostril. Allow the water to flow into your mouth.
Step 4: Collect the water into your mouth and then spit the water out from the mouth; repeat 3-5 times with right nostril.
Step 5: Perform few rounds of Shwasan Marg Shuddhi from the right nostril by softly blocking your left nostril.
Step 6: Repeat the same sequence with the left nostril. Empty half the glass of water at one side.
Drying up the Nasal Passage: This is the most critical factor in practicing Jal Neti & Vyut Krama otherwise you may end up with more problems than actually benefitting from it. It is very important to dry up the moisture in the nasal passage as otherwise; this could lead to many problems.
Step 1: Perform few rounds of Shwasan Marg Shuddhi & Kapalbhati so that the nasal passage is dry.
Step 2: Perform Kapalbhati again in Adhomukha Svanasana / Dog Pose / Parvatasana. This will drain out all the residual water from the inside of the nostril.
Step 3: From Adhomukhas Svanasana slowly move to Shashankasana / Child pose, wait for few seconds in that posture and again move back to Adhomukha Svanasana. Repeat few times. You can feel the movement of water inside your nostril if it is still there and will see the remaining water dripping out of your nostril.
Frequency: You can do it safely almost everyday. The best time is early morning. However, it can be performed at your convenience. Just make sure you do not perform this after a heavy meal.
Note:
- In case you feel a burning sensation in your nostril, then the ratio of salt and water is skewed.
- Also, do not lie down on your back for 15 minutes after the practice.
Benefits
Improves functioning of respiratory system and the problems associated with this system. At the same time, also helps improve breathing pattern. Regular practice of Vyut Krama & Jalneti helps improve respiration thereby making it easy for people with lung diseases (asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis etc.) to have improved intake of oxygen and improved removal of carbon dioxide and thereby better respiration.
- Cold: Vyutkrama proves to be one of the best methods for preventing and eliminating functional cold. It helps remove accumulated mucus, which is the breeding ground for the cold viruses.
- Sinusitis: Regular practice of Vyut Krama has shown to deal with even chronic sinus.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): It helps clear upper airway obstruction, which causes OSA.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Mucus removal through the practice of Vyutkrama help people suffering from COPD improve their respiration.
- Eye Nose Tongue: It helps remove the ailment of eyes, nose & throat.
- Migraine: Vyut Krama practice is recommended for Migraine issue as well.
Contraindications
- Persons with completely blocked nostrils should avoid this practice.
- It should also be avoided by the people who suffer from chronic nose bleeding.
- If sinuses are blocked with mucus, be careful not to blow your nose hard. It is very easy to push the mucus further into the cavities.
- Avoid in case of recent ear infection or nasal septum deviation operation.