Last week we stressed on the importance of incorporating dental hygiene in the Dincharya (daily routine) as is prescribed in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. There are other techniques which offer tremendous benefits to the user, especially if practiced regularly.
Jal Neti: The Jal netiis performed by slowly dripping salted warm water through one nostril. You should tilt your head to do this comfortably. Allow the water to flow out of the other nostril and continue for about fifteen to thirty seconds which is how long you will be able to manage comfortably as a beginner. After the neti, put a few drops of oil, as per your doshain your swara(nostril). Lastly put a few drops in your ears.
Abhyanga: Abhyanga simply means oiling your body. Use oil which suits your body according to your dosha. For Vata dosha we use warm sesame oil while coconut or sunflower oil is used for the pitta dosha. Warm mustard and safflower oil are best suited for the Kapha dosha. If you are unsure of your dosha or have any doubts regarding your constitution then it is best to consult a vaid who will be able to guide you. Do some simple Yog asanas after this and sit still with your spine straight and observe your breath silently. Begin chanting a mantra; this could be Ram Ram or any other mantra which you are comfortable with. Begin chanting aloud first and slowly let it become softer until it is inaudible and becomes an internal chanting. Then just let go, let nothingness envelop you. You will emerge out of this on your own. Make sure you don't sit for longer than is comfortable and on the other hand do not force yourself to get up either. You should allow everything to happen naturally without trying to force yourself to do anything. A vision or a sound will gradually arise and manifest itself within fifteen days of beginning this part of the dincharya.
Source: TOI, 21/8/2007