Experience the Clarity: Why You Need to Try Jala Neti
Do you frequently struggle with a blocked nose, making it hard to breathe freely?
Have you noticed that nasal congestion often brings headaches and eye irritation?
Do you find yourself unable to think clearly or maintain focus?
Have you noticed that nasal congestion often brings headaches and eye irritation?
Do you find yourself unable to think clearly or maintain focus?
These are common symptoms of sinus allergies, often stemming from
environmental pollution, mental stress, a mucus and fat-rich diet, and poor personal hygiene.
In the Yoga traditions, personal cleansing has been an important part of yoga practice known as Shat Kriyas, six purificatory practices. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika of Swami Swatmarama lists these as: Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and
Kapalbhati. The purpose of these kriyas is to cleanse the body of excess fat and
mucus and make it lighter.
The practice of Jala Neti is commonly done by Yoga students and practitioners on a daily basis as part of a yogic way of life. The value of Jala Neti is evident not only in the practice of yoga asanas, breathing practices, pranayama, and meditation,
but it also goes a long way in maintaining respiratory health and offers psychological benefits as well.”
Who can do Jala Neti?
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, Jala Neti will benefit you:
- Frequent nasal congestion, sinusitis, and sleep apnea
- Excess mucus in the entire body causes blockage and lymphatic congestion
- Seasonal sinus congestion, dry eyes or headaches
- Poor breathing, shallow and disturbed breathing
- Brain fog and inability to think clearly
Why should you do Jala-Neti?
Our nose is the primary passage of air and breath. It receives air and filters the inhaled air. It purifies the air so that the lungs can better absorb oxygen.
The nostrils are also the first place in the body where prana, the vital force of life, is
absorbed from the breath. This goes directly into the brain and senses. When the
sinuses are functioning smoothly, our absorption of prana in the brain and senses
is also smooth, and the mind is sharp.
Clear nasal passage and sinuses improve many functions, especially in the head
region:
- The ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are closely related. Jala-Neti prevents infections and allergies in this region.
- Sinus headaches and migraines can be prevented with better circulation in the head
- Insomnia and poor breathing during sleep can be prevented
- Strengthens breath and prana that help protect from external pathogens and are helpful in low immune conditions
- Chronic fatigue, dullness, anxiety, and nervous system disorders can be prevented and reduced with jala neti
How to do Jala-Neti?
The practice of Jala-neti is quite simple and can be done by almost everyone.
- You will need a neti pot, which is a small cup-sized pot with a spout, somewhat like a teapot. This is easily available online or in most Ayurvedic and Yoga stores
- Fill the neti pot with mildly warm saline water. The water should be warm and salty like tears
- Take the neti pot to a wash-basin that can drain away the used water
- For beginners, it is helpful to practice simple, relaxed breathing first. Then practice breathing from the mouth by closing the nose with your hands. This will prepare you for mouth breathing for the Jala-Neti practice.
- Check your active, free-flowing nostril and tilt the head on the opposite side, insert the spout in the active nostril, and let the water flow out through the other side while breathing from the mouth
- Then repeat the same way on the other nostril
- After completing on both sides, do a few forceful exhalations as in kapalbhati to draw out excess water and mucus from the nose
- You may also tilt your head side to side or bend down over the sink to make sure that all water from your nostrils comes out
Cautions in Jala-Neti practice
Though the practice is quite simple, it should first be learnt under the guidance of
an experienced teacher.
- Avoid doing Jala-Neti when you have heavy congestion, fever, or an asthma attack
- Water should be poured slowly and not forced
- Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully
- In any severe health condition, first consult your doctor
When to do Jala-Neti?
- Quite similar to brushing your teeth, it can be done early morning upon waking up. It is also helpful to do it in the evenings, before bedtime, to allow clearing of the nasal passage for smooth breathing and good sleep
- It is good to do jala-neti at any time in the day when one is experiencing congestion or a headache
- It can be done 2-3 times a week in the beginning.
Clarity of the Mind with Jala-Neti
- Jala-Neti is closely related to our breath function, which is related to our mind. In Yoga, it is said, the mind moves as the breath moves. A smooth, serene breath calms the mind’s agitations.
- Clear nostrils help in balancing the breath flow in the right and left nostrils, which control our right and left hemispheres of the brain
If you are keen to learn this practice, learn it from an Ayurvedic or Yoga practitioner with
proper experience.
May you breathe better, sleep better, and enjoy clarity!
Credits: Neti – Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda by Dr David Frawley
Namita Sinha
- urdhva-yoga
Recent Posts
