lethargy, depression, poor circulation. As a preparation for pregnancy and childbirth the cleansing techniques are invaluable, helping to boost energy levels and restore good reproduc-tive health. With care, they can be used throughout pregnancy to alleviate some common problems such as nausea, constipation, heartburn. Because the cleansing techniques work on many levels at once, they also address the underlying causes and help to create a fresh attitude to your body and its effects on your mind.
   Briefly outlined following are the 3 most important cleansing techniques for women's health and pregnancy matters. Figure 2 below summarises their areas of benefit and more details about each are described in full detail in Chapter 10.

Jala Neti works on : Tear Ducts Eustach Nasal Passages Olfactory Nerves Sinus Cavities Ocular Nerves ian Tubes Pineal Gland Kunjal Kriya works on: Oesophagus Trachea Lungs Heart Stomach Throat Thyroid Gland Adrenal Glands Solar Plexus Shankap- rakshalana works on : Stomach Duodenum Liver Pancreas Spleen Gall Bladder Kidneys Bladder Small Intestines Large Intestines

Figure 2 - Anatomy of the Cleansing Techniques

Jala Neti - Nasal Cleansing
   A special "neti pot" is filled with warm, slightly salted water and the spout of the pot is inserted into one nostril. The position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. After half a potful, the direction of

flow is reversed. Once learned, the practice can be done in about 3 minutes and is easily integrated into a daily routine of body cleansing such as showering or cleaning of the teeth.
   Salt and saline vapours are known to be great cleansers for the body. Everyone knows that feeling after a good swim in the ocean. The head feels clear, the nose is clear, the lungs and skin feel alive. These same mucus-clearing benefits can be attained at home, on a daily basis, through this simple method of nasal cleansing.
   Jala Neti (jala is water, neti is nose cleansing) is a very old technique which has been used by yogis for thousands of years for both physical and mental benefits. With the ever increasing incidence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergies, hayfever, sinusitis etc, as well as the rapid degeneration of spiritual consciousness in some sections of society, the practice of Jala Neti is even more relevant today.
   The nasal passages protect the lungs by trapping airborne particles and germs in a clever filter of tiny hairs, a mucous lining and numerous sinus cavities within the skull. All these components monitor environmental conditions from the incoming breath, communicating with the brain about temperature, smells, germs, threats to our well being, etc. If they become irritated (hayfever, allergies, sinusitis) they secrete a thin runny mucus which is their way of eliminating any foreign particles. If they become infected (colds, flu) they secrete a thick, congesting mucus which needs to be eliminated otherwise mouth breathing occurs. Saline cleansing helps both these conditions greatly. Its benefits are summarised as following:
· Neti removes all the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from within the nose. It also helps to drain the sinus cavities. This in turn will help to re-program the body's natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hayfever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.
· It is beneficial for sufferers of asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus.
· It has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and