Jala Neti: procedure and benefits

Definition : What does Jala neti mean?
Jala neti is a practice of Ayurvedic medicine, one of the six purification techniques, called shatkarma, in the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika".

The term is Sanskrit and literally translates to "water cleansing", it is a cleansing process related to the upper part of the respiratory system.

Jala neti is an ancient practice performed by yogis to clean their nasal passages. It can also be commonly referred to as simply neti. Performing jala neti involves using a neti pot filled with room temperature saline water to be poured through the nasal passages.

Neti pots and neti salts are readily available online and at local health food stores.

• Neti pots are typically made of glazed ceramic.
•  
• Neti salts are specific salts used only for jala neti. Do not use regular table salt!

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The exact amount of salt is not mentioned in any traditional text.

Based on clinical studies, it has been recommended to use the correct concentration of salt (2-3.5%) in irrigation. In practice it is about 2.5g per 500ml of water.

It is ideally practiced in the morning before asanas and pranayama.

How to Perform Nostril Washing
To perform jala neti at home, start by bringing filtered water to a boil. Rinse the inside of the neti pot, then add half a teaspoon of neti salt to the pot.

Let the boiled water cool to room temperature, then pour it into the neti pot, mixing the salt and water together.

After making sure the water inside the neti is at room temperature, stand over a sink and insert the nozzle of the neti pot into the right nostril. Open your mouth and, tilting your head to the left, slowly draw the saline water into the right nostril and through the nasal passages.

The water will flow out of the left nostril and into the sink. Once half of the saline water has been used, repeat with the opposite nostril, tilting your head to the right. The water will now flow out of the right nostril.

Remember to rinse the neti pot with boiled water after each use and allow it to air dry.

The practice of neti is especially beneficial for clearing the nasal passages of dust and pollen. Many allergens can be washed out with a neti pot.

Flushing the nasal passages on a regular basis can help reduce sinusitis, soothe dry nasal passages, and enhance the practice of pranayama and other breathing exercises.

This is why it is a useful practice in the fall to prevent colds and in the spring for allergic rhinitis.

Additional benefits of jala neti include:

Clears excess mucus from nasal passages
Expels harmful bacteria in the sinuses
Relieves respiratory disorders
Facilitates mental clarity and concentration
Beneficial effects in allergic rhinitis
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