If you have been experiencing random nosebleed incidents since you were a kid or always feel like you are fighting for inhaling breath, there is a possibility that you are suffering from a deviated nasal septum. We are here with yoga techniques that can help you deal with a deviated nasal septum.

Yoga has a profound effect on the mind and body. Apart from being a holistic practice, it also helps alleviate the symptoms associated with many conditions such as deviated nasal septum.

What is a deviated nasal septum?

As shocking as may sound, deviated nasal septum is a fairly common problem with more than 10 million cases per year found in India. Deviated nasal septum causes the thin wall inside the nose separating the nostrils to get displaced to one side. This causes the nose to get blocked from one side and interferes with breathing properly.

“While the normal course of treatment for this condition is a surgery, there are other things one can do such as practicing yoga and breathing exercises. Yoga may not fix a deviated septum but can help in opening the blocked nasal passage. It can also provide relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, runny nose, snoring, etc.,” says Arunima Singhdeo, who is a Master Yoga and Meditation teacher at Shvasa.

Neti for treating deviated nasal septum

Hatha yoga has 6 cleansing techniques that help relieve toxins from the body and prepare for pranayama. One such Shatkarma is Neti. The yoga expert explains, “There are two types of Neti: Jala and Sutra. Neti has a profound impact on the body and mind. It removes mucus and pollution from the nasal passages and sinuses, allowing air to flow without obstruction. It also stimulates the various nerve endings in the nose, improving the sense of smell and the overall health of the individual.”

Singhdeo explains how to perform these Netis:

1. Jala Neti: A Neti Pot should be used for this practice. It is done by allowing warm, saline water to pass through the nose. The practitioner has to allow the water to seamlessly pass through. Jala Neti can be practiced for a week if you are suffering from sinusitis, colds, insensitivity to smell, nosebleed, headache, eye strain or eye infections. Practice this when you feel the condition is about to set in but it is best to practice only once in a fortnight.

2. Sutra Neti: Sutra means ‘thread’ and this practice requires the person to pass a length of thread through the nose and gently push it so that it passes down into the throat. When it reaches the back of the throat, it should be pulled out through the mouth. One must slowly and gently pull the thread backwards and forwards 30-50 times. This is a tricky thing to do and must be done with a yoga expert only.

Breathing exercises or Pranayama for treating deviated nasal septum

Since the Netis are not that easy to practice for a beginner, Singhdeo suggests that “as an adaptation one can also practice breath exercises and maintain a certain non-mucus diet. Making breathing practices a habit and sticking to it regularly can also help manage all kinds of concerns in a holistic and sustained manner.” So, practicing exercises like anulom vilom and kapalbhati everyday will turn out to be helpful.