Neti (nose cleansing practice)
Neti is one of the six Kryas (cleansing practices) mentioned in classical texts.
Jala Neti (sometimes called Saline Nasal Irrigation), is the practice of cleaning the upper nasal passages with warm salted
water. It greatly enhances olfactory sensitivity and is an important therapeutic concept in the treatment of
upper respiratory tract ailments. It supports and reactivates the nasal mucosa cleansing
mechanisms. Classical texts also claim that it induces
clairvoyance and removes diseases that are above the shoulders.
The technique is fairly simple and while most online yoga shops will happily sell you a dedicated Neti Pot,
a small teapot could do, providing the spout is the right shape so you can pour the water down your
nostrils without splashing it all over.
You will also need some good quality sea salt. Salt is often mixed with anticaking agents
which gives it an unpleasant taste (or smell). Make sure to use good quality, pure sea
salt.
When doing Jala Neti, the two main points to remember are:
- You have to put the right amount of salt in the water. This is very important. The water should taste salty, but not overly so. Too little or too much salt is uncomfortable and can sometimes cause nose bleeds. As a rough guideline, 1 table spoon for one litre of water is about right.
- The water temperature should be comfortable (body temperature, or a little cooler).
Once your Neti pot is filled with water at the right temperature and degree of
salinity, bend forward and then tilt the head to one side. Relax, breathe
through the
mouth and pour gently the salted water through the upper nostril. The water will
flow around the septum and out through the other nostril. Do not inhale as you are pouring
the water through the nose. Pour half the water through one nostril, then blow your nose
vigorously before tilting the head the other way and repeating the operation for the other
nostril.
The first few times, it is probably better to practice in the shower of bath and have a
towel handy, as you might be splashing salty water around.
Once you have finished, blow you nose vigorously to dry the nasal passages.
The operation only takes a couple of minutes, is not as uncomfortable as you may think, and its benefits are such that it is well worth including Jala Neti in your routine.