The Practice
JALA NETI
Nasal irrigation cleanses the nasal passages and sinuses offering many important health benefits for the body and the mind. Humans have an estimated 10 million scent-detecting cells. The nose is the entranceway for prana and if the cells are filled with dirt and dust the senses will be obstructed and perception unclear. Ayurveda believes that the nose is the door to the brain. Therefore, a clean nose is considered essential to the clear experience of consciousness.
The Benefits
- Balances all three doshas
- Reduces allergy symptoms by removing dust, pollens and pollutants from nasal passages
- Cleanses the mind increasing alertness and wakefulness
- Balances left and right brain
The How
1. Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of finely ground non-iodized Neti Pot Salt in 8oz of warm (98-100 degrees) clean water. Use the purest salt available because impurities in the salt can be irritating.
2. Lean forward and turn your head to one side over the sink, keeping the forehead at the same height as the chin, or slightly higher.
3. Gently insert the spout in the upper nostril so it forms a comfortable seal. Raise the Neti Pot gradually so the saline solution flows in through your upper nostril and out of the lower nostril. Breathe through your mouth.
4. When the Neti Pot is empty, face the sink and exhale vigorously without pinching the nostrils.
5. Refill the Neti Pot and repeat on the other side. Again, exhale vigorously to clear the nasal passages.
6. Do one or more of the recommended exercises to drain any remaining saline solution.
Tips
Thoroughly clean your Neti Pot after each use. Periodically place it in your dishwasher for a thorough sanitizing. Same as a toothbrush, do not share your Neti Pot with anyone else. Everyone in the household should have their own.
If you experience burning in the nose, it often means you have not used enough salt. Make sure you are using a 1/4 teaspoon salt or a full scoop included in Himalayan salt packets.
You may notice improved breathing, smell and taste. If you experience any discomfort please discontinue using your neti pot and consult your doctor or other health care provider.
Post Neti Pot
You may need to do a few simple exercises to expel any saline solution remaining in your nose. Everyone needs to do the first exercise; others will also need to do one or both of the others. The first few times you use the Neti Pot, try them all. Form a habit of doing any which cause water to drain from the nostrils.
1. Exhalations
Exhale vigorously through both nostrils while holding your head over the sink. Quickly drawing the abdomen toward the spine with each exhalation will make your exhalations more forceful. If you exhale into a tissue, be careful not to pinch the nostrils closed while exhaling.
2. Forward Bending
Bend forward from the waist far enough so that the top of the head is pointing toward the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, then return to standing. Follow this movement with a few vigorous exhalations.
3. Alternate Toe Touching
Place your feet two to three feet apart. Raise the arms out to the side at shoulder height. Slowly bend from the waist and bring the left hand to the right knee, shin, or foot (whichever you can reach without straining). Reach up toward the ceiling with the right hand; turn the head gently and look toward the raised hand. Hold this position for a few seconds. Come back to standing and repeat the movement to the left. Exhale vigorously through the nose.
When you’ve practiced this routine a few times, you’ll find it takes less time than brushing and flossing your teeth.