 Nose bleeding are common occurrences that usually have their roots in some kind of trauma. However, nose bleeding can prove to be a warning of other problems. A small blood vessel rupturing often causes nosebleeds. There are two main types of nosebleed, namely upper and lower septum nose bleeds.
The main causes of nose bleeding include nose injury, broken nose, nose picking, nasal infection, nasal congestion, allergies, common cold, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyp, nasal tumors, sinus tumors and nasal cancer. Although there are many medicines to stop nasal bleeding, the best natural method to curtail the problem of nose bleeding is Yoga. There are procedures of nasal cleansing in Yoga, called the Neti. Jala Neti is done with water, i.e the nose is cleaned and purified with pure water. Jala Neti is one of the simplest yet most effective techniques in case of nose bleeding. It works wonders for the entire body, particularly on patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma as well. It has a profound effect on upper respiratory tract conditions. The regular practice of Neti also helps relieve headaches and aid prolonged youthfulness. The Jala Neti is executed with a special "Neti Pot" that is first filled with lukewarm, slightly salted water. Its spout is then inserted into one nostril. The practitioner places the cone into one nostril, sealing it inside with a few gentle twists. The position of one's head is kept at a slightly tilted position to allow the water to flow out from the other nostril. During this Neti, the person breathes gently through the mouth, trying not to sniff or swallow while the water is flowing through. Once mastered, this technique is one of the easiest yet most effective Yoga activities. Vyutkrama or Kapalbhati plays a very important part in this technique, where it dries the nose first and then cleans it with pure water.  Dugdha Neti is another method to clean the nose with milk. Using diluted milk, pre-warmed to body temperature, in place of water, it is particularly beneficial to those suffering from chronic nose bleeding or for those who find salt water irritating. Sutra Neti is another process, where the practitioner uses a rubber catheter to execute the cleansing procedure. This is a very effective way of opening up the nasal passages to their fullest capacity. In this practice, one has to pass a rubber catheter of about 1mm dimension into the nose through one nostril and slowly keep pushing it in until he can feel it in his throat. Then, it has to be drawn out gently from the mouth and gently tug the catheter to and fro a couple of times. With proper practice, this rubber catheter can even be passed from one nostril through the other. However, this requires a certain level of proficiency and is also not very necessary. The effect in both the practices, however, is still the same. Before and after usage it is recommended to rinse the catheter in warm water or medicated oil. The same exercise has to be repeated with the other nostril as well.
The practitioner should always remember that under no condition, the nose area or any part of the body should feel any pain. If the person feels any pain, it either means he is inserting the catheter too fast, or that it entered the wrong way and is stalled against the nasal wall, unless there is otherwise some other hereditary obstruction. In such cases, one should stop immediately, withdraw and reinsert the catheter carefully in another direction until he reaches a clear unimpeded passage. The person should take enough time to gently insert the catheter and always keep breathing normally. It is normal to feel tickled and have bouts of sneezing in the initial stages. One may also discharge a lot of mucous. Over time, as the mucous membranes, nerves and tissues get accustomed to the practice the reaction will automatically reduce. Both Jala and Sutra Neti help to extract all the impurity and bacteria filled mucus from the nasal and sinus cavities. This in turn, it helps to restore the body's mechanisms naturally and increase its immunity to nasal allergies like hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions like sore throats, chronic coughs and colds, post nasal drips, adenoids and tonsillitis. By cleansing the nasal passages it frees them of mucus and mechanically reduces the tendency of breathing orally. Neti is also of great benefit for eye and ear related disorders. By flushing the tear ducts, it also facilitates clearer vision. Further, it also has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands that govern the hormonal system, thereby resulting in harmonised emotional behaviour. Both these practices should, ideally, be done regularly. All the Netis are strongly recommended for curing nose bleeding. Especially, the Sutra Neti can be of great benefit, and is highly recommended for those who find one nostril more blocked than the other. However, all the other Yoga asanas, indeed benefits the bleeding nose as it does to the entire body. Meditation methods, including Pranayama is strongly recommended. |
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