Vyutkrama kapalabhati is a nasal irrigation technique, which is an important part of the yogic system of body cleansing techniques. It greatly assists removal of nasal mucus, debris, dust and other products of elimination from nasal cavities, thus helping the cure in related diseases such as colds, catarrhs, sinusitis etc. Its use is also recommended for maintaining optimum health.

The practice involves sniffing lukewarm normal saline water through the nostrils and letting it flow down into the mouth and then spitting it out.

• You can use a clean container of any shape that is available, but when using a bowl, you can keep your nose in the water, while your mouth is free and you can spit the water out without spitting all over yourself.
• When measuring the amount of salt, it is better to use more of it than less. The goal is to prevent the irritation of mucous membranes, so using a hypertonic solution works too.
• If available, use a pure sea salt or rock salt without iodine and any other chemicals added, such as anti-caking agents. If not, work with what you have.
• Use a clean unchlorinated water. If water quality is dubious, boil it before use, in order to kill any harmful microorganisms. You can also use distilled / sterilized water, if you wish.
• Use lukewarm water that feels good in your nose. DO NOT use hot tap water to prepare the lukewarm solution. Hot tap water is usually not safe for drinking and may contain undesirable particles which you do not wish to introduce into your nasal cavities. It is better to take some part of the cold water, heat it by any means available (electric kettle, gas stove etc.) and mix the cold solution with it to reach the desired temperature.
• You can use warmer or colder water if you find it more comfortable / useful in your situation.

• This may be somewhat uncomfortable at first, since you can no longer breath with your nose. Just breath with your mouth and try to get used to the sensation, before proceeding further.
• It is essential that both nostrils are dipped in the saline water and no air can enter the nostrils.

• Make sure you do not breath the water into your lungs. Just use the suction, but do not breath it in.
• Do not swallow the water, let it accumulate in your mouth.

• You can spit the accumulated water as you find it comfortable (or if you need to breath). If you can accumulate a greater volume of water in your mouth, you can also cleanse the lower parts of your throat, but this takes additional practice.

• Sometimes there is so much mucus, you need to clear it both ways – both through your mouth AND your nostrils. Once you do that, you can perform several rounds just with spitting through your mouth (keeping the nostrils dipped), then clear also through the nostrils again.

• Do not use if bleeding from the nose.
• Do not use if your nose is completely blocked and you cannot create any suction using your nostrils. If you can create at least a small suction, you may be able to clear your nose using this technique, bit by bit.
• Do not use if you cannot get a sufficiently clean water. You do not want to introduce any harmful microorganisms into your body.

• Removes dirt and infectious microorganisms from the nasal cavities and passageways.
• Reduces the frequency and duration of colds.
• Reduces allergic problems such as hay fever.
• Improves your nose breathing generally.
• Moistens dry nasal cavities and passageways.
• Reduces the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
• Improves your sense of smell and taste.
• Has a harmonizing and calming effect on the mind.