Jala Neti for Nasal Cleansing
What is Jala Neti?
‘Jala’ means water and ‘neti’ is a nasal cleansing process. Thus, Jala Neti refers to a nasal cleansing using warm saline water. This technique is very ancient and has been practiced and passed down for centuries by Yogis.
Technique: Jala Neti is usually done using a special Jala Neti pot, which is a pot with a long, narrow spout, much like a teapot.
Benefits: Jala Neti is attributed with many physical benefits as well as spiritual ones.
‘Jala’ means water and ‘neti’ is a nasal cleansing process. Thus, Jala Neti refers to a nasal cleansing using warm saline water. This technique is very ancient and has been practiced and passed down for centuries by Yogis.
Technique: Jala Neti is usually done using a special Jala Neti pot, which is a pot with a long, narrow spout, much like a teapot.
- Fill this pot with lukewarm water to which salt has been added. The warmth of the water corresponds to the temperature of the body, while the salinity is the same as your tears (about a quarter teaspoon in a cup of water).
- Insert the spout of the Neti pot in one nostril.
- Adjust the position of your head, tilting it slightly, so that the water is able to flow out of the other nostril.
- Breathe gently through the mouth. Do not swallow or sniff while the water is passing through the nostril.
- Repeat with the other nostril.
- It is also very important to dry your nostrils properly after the cleansing is over. Bend forward a little, lower your head, sniff and blow your nose gently a few times.
Benefits: Jala Neti is attributed with many physical benefits as well as spiritual ones.
- It is especially beneficial for respiratory problems, and also for proper cleaning of the nose, throat, lungs, ears and eyes.
- Problems like colds, coughs, asthma, allergies, bronchitis and sinusitis benefits from doing Jala Neti, since the germs or allergens are washed away.
- Jala Neti cleans and flushes out encrusted mucus in the nasal passages and in the sinus cavities.
- It also helps in tonsillitis and is effective for those with adenoids.
- Bacteria, fungi, dirt, dust, pollen are all cleaned out of the nasal passages when you practice Jala Neti.
- By clearing the nasal passages and sinuses, it also helps relieve headaches.
- The practice of Jala Neti helps to flush dirt and mucus from the tear ducts. It also moistens the eyes further. All this encourages clearer vision, and cleaner and more sparkling eyes.
- The practice of Jala Neti has a beneficial effect on the pituitary and pineal glands, which govern our hormonal system. This has a harmonizing effect on our emotional behavior.
- Jala Neti has a cooling effect and is beneficial for epilepsy, migraines, depression, hysteria, mental tension and temper tantrums.
- It also helps to stimulate our powers of concentration.