Jala Neti

Jala Neti or

Nasal Cleansing with Water.

I have been practicing Jala Neti for a few years now as a part of my morning ritual. In the beginning, I was using it very often, but as I continued to purify my physical body I now am only using it a couple times a week or when I need it. From my own personal experience, the freer my breath is flowing in and out of my nostrils, the easier it is for me to catch and ride the wave of self awareness and experience stillness.

Jala Neti is the process of rinsing the nasal passages with a warm saline solution. The salt is mixed into the water so as to have approximately the saltiness of tears.

The salt solution flashes out the excess of mucous and rinses away pollen, dust, bacteria and other irritants residing in the nasal passages. Jala Neti can be practiced every day if you experience sinusitis, cold, insensitivities to smell, headache, ear pressure and even eye infection.

This ritual has been practiced by yogis and Ayurvedic practitioners for thousands of years.

The nasal wash has a cleansing effect that allows the breath to flow much more freely. Thus, this cleansing also has a calming effect. This is why for practicing yogis it is an essential step before pranayama and meditation.

You will need a Neti Pot and a Salt Solution. Neti Pots are available at any health food store and come in a wide array of styles and prices. The shape/style of the Neti Pot is largely a matter of personal preference.

Ready to use sea salt solution or individual packets can be purchased and mixed with water, or you can make your own solution.

Saline Solution

Ingredients:

-1⁄2 teaspoon of non-iodised sea salt

-2 cups of lukewarm, purified or filtered water (Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt work very well).

Method:

-Add salt and water to a jar with a lid, shake it well until salt gets completely dissolved.

It may take you a few times to adjust temperature and saltness of the solution. With the right solution and temperature, there should be no stinging, burning, or irritation.

Technique:

  Now pour half of the salt solution into the pot. Stand straight in front of the sink, with legs apart. Slightly lean forward and tilt your head to the right side. Insert the teapot tip into the left nostril just tight enough to create a seal. Tilt the pot up (like you are pouring a cup of tea) while tipping your head slightly to the right as you breathe through your mouth. Keep the whole body relaxed and let the water pass out through the right nostril. Through the whole practice remember to breath through your mouth only. If the water does not flow, try adjusting the angle of your head, or leaning a little farther forward. When the pot has emptied, remove the tip from your nostril and gently blow out your nose to expel any excess water or mucous. Repeat this process with the other half of the solution on the right side.

Note:

-It is advisable to practice bhastrika or kapalabhati pranayama after Jala Neti to remove any left over solution, to dry the nose and to generate heat in the nostrils.

-When we wake up in the morning, usually one of our nostrils is more blocked then another. Pour solution out of the nostril that is more blocked first.