There's no denying this, during the festive season pollution levels increase. The Diwali phase often brings a visible haze, a mix of firecracker residue, dust and seasonal weather changes that trap pollutants close to the ground. For many, this means itchy eyes, sore throats, coughing fits and aggravated asthma.
Ancient Indian traditions, from yoga to Ayurveda, have long recognised the importance of protecting the respiratory system and cleansing the body during seasonal changes. Let's explore how centuries-old wisdom can help us breathe easy during the festive season.
1. Yogic Techniques for Clean Lungs
In polluted air, our lungs take the biggest hit and Yogic breathing practices (pranayama) can help keep them strong and clear.
a) Alternate Nostril deep Breathing: This balancing breathwork filters and slows down the air intake, giving your body more time to trap impurities in nasal passages before they reach deeper into the lungs. The exhalation should be longer than the inhalation. Doing this every morning and evening can help reduce congestion and improve oxygenation.
b) Kapalabhati: A detoxifying breath exercise, Kapalabhati involves forceful exhalations that help expel stale air and mucus from the respiratory tract. It's like a broom for your lungs but should be done only if you don't have severe asthma or high blood pressure. Word of caution, practicing this without a Guru is dangerous, also this pranayama should be accompanied by several deep and slow pranayama or breaths to balance and harmonise.
c) Jalneti (Nasal Cleansing with Salt Water): Jalneti is used to wash away dust and allergens from nasal passages. Sea salt and a pinch of organic turmeric is used in warm water for jalneti.
2. Ayurvedic Shield Against Pollution
Ayurveda, the "science of life," offers a rich toolkit for building immunity and cleansing the body. Seasonal changes like late autumn were seen as periods when the body's balance could be disturbed and Diwali coincides with one of these transitions. There are certain Vedic ways to evade damage, some are as follows:
a) Putting a few drops of cow ghee in nostrils: A few drops of warm cow ghee in each nostril can lubricate nasal passages, trap dust particles and prevent dryness caused by polluted air. The cow ghee used should be of purest quality.
b) Herbal Teas and Decoctions (Kadha): Boiling herbs like tulsi (holy basil), mulethi (licorice root), ginger and black pepper in water can soothe throat and boost respiratory immunity.
c) Dietary Support: Ayurveda recommends ghee in moderation during this season, not just for taste but also it's believed to strengthen lung tissue and counter dryness. Antioxidant-rich foods like amla (Indian gooseberry), an integral ingredient of Chywanprash can also help reduce inflammation caused by pollutants.
3. Practical Steps
These are simple mindful practices that will help you look and feel better.
a) Limit Exposure: Stay indoors during peak smog hours (early morning and late evening) after Diwali night. If you must go out, wear a certified N95 mask that filters fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
b) Air Purification at Home: Keep windows closed during high-pollution hours. Use air purifiers or create a natural one with indoor plants like areca palm, peace lily or money plant, which can help absorb toxins.
c) Hydration and Eye Care: Drink plenty of warm fluids to keep mucous membranes moist, making it harder for pollutants to irritate your system. Use lubricating eye drops if smoke causes dryness or redness.
d) Steam Inhalation: After Diwali, inhaling steam with a pinch of turmeric or eucalyptus oil can help open up nasal passages and sooth inflamed airways.
e) Restorative Yoga and Meditation: Gentle asans like bhujangasana and setu bandhasana can improve lung capacity, while meditation reduces the stress response that pollution can trigger.
This season let's keep up the spirit of Diwali while taking good care of our bodies. After all, the brightest light we can spread is the glow of good health and selfless karmas.