What is Jala Neti?
One of the six purification methods in the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” known as shatkarma, is jala neti. The Sanskrit phrase literally means “cleansing of water.”
Jala Neti is a method that yoga practitioners use to maintain their health and more importantly, to breathe freely and clearly during their asanas practice. It is a form of nasal hygiene, just like taking a shower or brushing teeth. Using water, this method cleans and purifies the nasal passageway from the nostrils to the throat.
During the practice, a neti pot filled with room temperature saline water is poured through the nasal passages to clear it up.
Benefits of Jalaneti
There are countless benefit of Jalaneti, however the most important ones are:
- It relieves the sensitive nasal tissues, which helps ease an allergic reaction or episode of rhinitis.
- It helps to ease the symptoms of asthma and facilitates breathing.
- removes excess mucus from the nasal cavities
- Bad bacteria are expelled from the sinuses.
- alleviates respiratory conditions
- Reduces excessive heat in the brain and encourages concentration and mental clarity during these times.
- It lessens middle ear infections and tinnitus.
- It relieves migraine or sinusitis symptoms.
- It can relieve symptoms related to the upper respiratory tract, such as dry coughs, tonsils, and sore throats.
- It can enhance vision by unclogging the eye ducts.
- Digestion is enhanced when nasal passages are cleared because it enhances the sense of smell.
- Regular practice of Jal Neti has been shown to reduce anger in people.
- It also helps in getting rid of insomnia.
- It enhances the effectiveness of meditation practice.
What is needed to do Jalaneti?
A Jalaneti pot, a little amount of salt and lukewarm water.
A Jala Neti pot is small, with a long spout on one side that is tiny enough to be delicately placed into a nostril while doing the procedure.
Salts made specifically for jala neti are called neti salts.
One can easily find neti pots and neti salts online and at your near health food stores. Although plastic pots are also frequently used, glazed ceramic is the material of choice for neti pots.
How to do Jalaneti at home?
First, heat up some filtered water to boil in order to perform jala neti at home. After giving the neti pot’s inside a thorough rinse, add half a teaspoon of neti salt. After letting the boiling water drop to room temperature, transfer it into the neti pot and mix in the salt. Once the neti pot’s water has reached room temperature, place the nozzle inside your right nostril while standing over a sink. Opening the mouth, slowly let the saline water enter the right nostril and flow through the nasal passages while leaning the head to the left. The left nostril is where the water will exit. After using half of the saline water, tilt your head to the right and repeat with the other nostril. The right nostril will now release the water.
Use the breathing technique known as kapalabhati kriya to expel any remaining water from your nose. After using the neti pot, don’t forget to clean it off with boiling water and let it dry.
Contraindications and precautions of Jalaneti
After the procedure, the nose needs to be carefully dried. Those who have elevated blood pressure should use caution during this section. When drying one’s nose, stand up straight if you feel lightheaded. Make sure there isn’t any water left in your nasal passages as this could lead to an infection. Study under a skilled practitioner, just as you would any other yogic discipline.