Jal Neti is one of the six cleansing procedures or “Shatkarmas” mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika by Swamy Swtmaram. Jal Neti is a Technique that was used by yogis to stay healthy and disease free. It is Most importantly to use the breath well for their yogic practices without any nasal blockages. It is the process to maintain nasal hygiene. This technique uses water to purify & clean the Nasal Path, from the nostril to the throat.
Things Needs To Do Jal Neti –
- A Neti Pot
- A pinch of salt
- Luke warm water
Jal Neti pot usually small and has long spout on one side. Which is small enough to be inserted gently into one of the nostrils during the process. It can be made of copper, steel, ceramic or even plastic. It is available in most health stores and also online that’s sell yoga products. Prepare salt water by mixing 1 table spoon of salt to one liter of warm water. The salt should be of the right proportion and the water should be slightly warm so that it does not irritate the tissues inside the nostrils. Neti practiced with water is called Jala Neti.
BEST TIME, PREPARATION AND TECHNIQUES FOR JAL NETI –
- The best time to perform Jalneti is either in the morning.
- Those who have blocked or nasal congestion should perform it many times of the day to prevent germs.
- One teaspoon of salt may be added into half a litre of lukewarm water.
- Now, fill the neti pot with this water.
- First of all, sit in Kagasana having a 1-foot distance between legs.
- Lean forward from the lower back.
- Tilt the head to the opposite side of the nostril whichever is more active at the moment.
- Pour the luke warm salt water into the Neti pot and place the spout of the pot into one of the nostrils, say the left nostril. The cone at the end of the spout should to be placed inside the nostril.
- Tilt your head gently and open your mouth (Breathing should be done through the mouth during the process). Adjust the tilt of your head up to a point where water starts flowing from your left nostril to the right nostril. Continue till the water in the pot is finished.
- Fill the pot again with salt water and try the same procedure from the other nostril (say the right nostril).
- You can repeat this process any number of times, depending on your need and time.
- After finishing from both sides, do forceful exhalation from both the nostrils in all directions i.e. left & right, top & bottom.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF JAL NETI
- Sinusitis: Neti helps in curing sinusitis, ailments of the eyes, nose, and throat, tonsillitis, catarrh, as well as inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.
- Cough and Cold: Jal Neti is extremely helpful in the prevention of cold and cough. It also prevents allergic sneezing.
- Headache: Headache is quite common these days. The regular practice of neti helps to alleviate chronic headaches and migraines.
- Insomnia: There are many people who can’t fall asleep or suffering from insomnia. To cure insomnia, jal neti is one of the effective yoga processes.
- Drowsiness: Nasal cleaning yoga helps to reduce the symptoms of drowsiness and regular practice of it ensures to get rid of it.
- Grey Hair: Hair problems are quite common these days irrespective of ages. Jal neti is beneficial for hair health and prevents untimely falling of hair, greying of hair, and other hair conditions.
- Memory: It helps to sharpen your memory and overcomes the problems of forgetfulness.
- Eye diseases: It treats many eye-related problems and diseases such as soreness, night-blindness, dimness, etc. According makes your eyes lustrous and beautiful.
- Ear: Diseases related to the ear are also getting helped with the practice of Jal neti. In nutshell, one can say that the practice of jal neti is a panacea for the ENT region of the body.
- Psycho-spiritual health: It helps to clear impediments to the free flow of air thus effects on all the Kośas of the body which has a great influence on psycho-spiritual health.
JAL NETI PRECAUTION –
- After performing Jalneti, either Kapalbhati or Bhastrika Pranayama should be performed to dry the nasal region.
- While during the above-said breathing process, one shouldn’t blow very hard as it may push water into the ears.
- The proportion of salt in water should be kept in mind as more salt leads to a burning sensation in the nasal region.
- Breathe through the mouth throughout the practice.
- Initially, it should be practiced under the guidance of a yoga expert.
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION OF THE JALNETI
Jal neti is using of saline liquid to nasopharyngeal mucosa. To a certain extent, it causes a mild irritation to the mucosa region. Jal neti dissolves many accumulations produced either as a result of retained secretions or deposits from the inhaled air. This process helps the nasopharynx, sinuses, nasal ducts, and eyes thus good for the health of the ENT region.
Dr. Sujata Panda
PhD in Yoga, DNYS, N.D.,
Gold medallist,
Founder of Su-Ham Foundation
Owner of Viroga Virtual Clinic
Very helpful. ??