Nasal Cleansing with Jala Neti

Jala Neti is a technique used to cleanse the sinuses. The sinuses can become clogged with impurities, which in the long term can lead to infections, inflammations and headaches. For this reason, we should clean them regularly. The Jala Neti technique is an easy way to keep the sinuses clean.

Nasal hygiene is important

Good nasal hygiene is extremely important as poor nasal hygiene is linked to many diseases such as sinusitis, migraines, headaches, allergies, and asthma.

Fortunately, neti is a very simple practice that you can do as part of your daily routine, such as right after brushing your teeth in the morning. It only takes a few minutes and helps alleviate many problems related to the nasal and sinus cavities.

Benefits of Jala Neti

Jala Neti helps maintain nasal hygiene by cleaning the nostrils and removing dirt, bacteria and mucus. Neti desensitises the delicate tissues in the nose, which can relieve colds, allergies, and some asthma conditions. Various health problems such as sinusitis, migraines, headaches, and ear problems such as tinnitus and otitis media are also relieved by Jala Neti. It can also help with upper respiratory tract problems, sore throats and dry coughs.

Jala Neti is also said to have a positive effect on the mind by relieving tension and leading to greater clarity.

What you need

To perform Jala Neti, you will need a neti pot, some salt and water. The neti pot is a small pot with a long spout on the side that is inserted into one nostril. It can be made of copper, steel, ceramic or plastic. The material plays a secondary role. The pot is available at most health food stores that sell yoga products.

How to Practice Jala Neti

1. Prepare salt water by mixing a tablespoon of salt with 1 litre of warm water. The salt should be in the right proportions and the water should be slightly warm so it doesn't irritate the tissues in your nostrils. (Additional info: Neti that is practised with water is called Jala Neti. However, neti can also be done with milk which is called Dugdha Neti.)
2. Pour the prepared salt water into the neti pot and insert the spout of the pot into one of your nostrils. The cone at the end of the spout should be inserted into the nostril.
3. Then tilt your head slightly and open your mouth (breathe through your mouth during the process). Tilt your head back at an angle such that the water begins to flow from one nostril to the other. Continue until the neti pot is empty.
4. Then fill the pot with salt water again and repeat the same process from the other nostril.
5. You can repeat this process as often as you like, depending on your needs and time.

The first time you do this you may experience irritation in your nose, sneezing, coughing, etc. However, that should go away after a few sessions.