26 SCIENCE OF BREATH. 



up the nostrils allowing it to run down the passage into the 

 throat, from thence it may be ejected through the mouth. 

 Some Hindu yogis immerse the face in a bowl of water, 

 and by a sort of suction draw in quite a quantity of water, 

 but this latter method requires considerable practice, and 

 the first mentioned method is equally efficacious, and much 

 more easily performed. 



Another good plan is to open the window and breathe 

 freely, closing one nostril with the finger or thumb, sniff- 

 ing up the air through the open nostril. Then repeat the 

 process on the other nostril. Repeat several times, chang- 

 ing nostrils. This method will usually clear the nostrils 

 of obstructions. 



v In case the trouble is caused by catarrh it is well to 

 apply a little vaseline or camphor ice or similar preparation. 

 Or sniff up a little witch-hazel extract once in a while, 

 and you will notice a marked improvement. A little care 

 and attention will result in the nostrils becoming clean 

 and remaining so. 



We have given considerable space to this subject of 

 nostril-breathing, not only because of its great importance 

 in its reference to health, but because nostril-breathing is 

 a prerequisite to the practice of the breathing exercises to 

 be given later in this book, and because nostril-breathing 

 is one of the basic principles underlying the Yogi Science 

 of Breath. 



We urge upon the student the necessity of acquiring 

 this method of breathing if he has it not, and caution him 

 igainst dismissing this phase of the subject as unimportant 



