The practice of nasal cleansing purifies the air sinuses, invigorates the brain, tones up the optic nerves and thus improves sight.

-Hathayogapradipika, II, 30.

What is Jala Neti?

It is one of the six purification methods (shatkarmas) in hatha yoga. The word jala means water and neti means to guide or to go through. Jala neti involves using a neti pot, a small vessel with a spout, to pour warm saline water into one nostril and let it flow out of the other. The process is repeated on the opposite side. Jala neti helps to remove mucus, dust, pollen, bacteria and other impurities from the nose and sinuses. It also helps to balance the flow of prana (life force) in the nadis (energy channels) of the head and neck.

What are the benefits of Jala Neti?

Jala neti has many benefits for the physical, mental and spiritual health of the practitioner. Some of the benefits are:

  • It improves the respiratory system by clearing the nasal passages, reducing congestion, enhancing the sense of smell and taste, and preventing infections.
  • It soothes the nervous system by calming the mind, relieving stress, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches.
  • It stimulates the third eye (ajna chakra), the center of intuition, wisdom and vision, by activating the pituitary and pineal glands.
  • It harmonizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain, enhancing creativity, concentration, and memory.
  • It prepares the body and mind for deeper meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises).

How to practice Jala Neti?

Jala neti is a simple and safe practice that can be done daily or as needed. It is best done in the morning before eating or drinking anything. To practice jala neti, you will need a neti pot, warm water, salt, and a towel. Follow these steps:

  • Fill the neti pot with warm water (not too hot or cold) and add a pinch of salt. Stir well until the salt dissolves. The water should taste like tears.
  • Stand or sit in front of a sink or a basin. Tilt your head to the right and insert the spout of the neti pot into your left nostril. Breathe through your mouth and relax.
  • Gently pour the water into your left nostril and let it flow out of your right nostril. Do not force or block the water flow. Keep your mouth open and breathe normally.
  • When the neti pot is empty, remove it from your nose and blow your nose gently to clear any remaining water or mucus. Do not sniff or hold your breath.
  • Repeat the same process on the other side, tilting your head to the left and pouring the water into your right nostril.
  • After you finish, dry your nose by exhaling forcefully through both nostrils while bending forward. You can also do some gentle head movements to drain any residual water from your ears and sinuses.

What are the precautions and contraindications of Jala Neti?

Jala neti is generally safe and beneficial for most people, but there are some precautions and contraindications to be aware of. Some of them are:

  • Do not practice jala neti if you have a severe cold, flu, fever, ear infection, nosebleed, or nasal injury.
  • Do not practice jala neti if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma, unless advised by your doctor.
  • Do not practice jala neti if you are pregnant, menstruating, or have a history of miscarriage, unless advised by your doctor.
  • Do not practice jala neti with tap water, distilled water, or water that is not clean or sterilized. Use filtered, boiled, or bottled water to avoid any contamination or infection.
  • Do not practice jala neti with too much or too little salt. Use a natural salt that is free of additives or iodine. The salt concentration should be similar to the body fluids.
  • Do not practice jala neti too frequently or too forcefully. Once or twice a day is enough for most people. Do not exceed more than four times a day. Do not apply too much pressure or speed when pouring the water. Let the water flow gently and naturally.
  • Do not practice jala neti immediately before or after eating, drinking, smoking, or exercising. Wait for at least an hour before or after these activities.
  • Do not practice jala neti if you have any doubts or questions about the technique. Consult a qualified yoga teacher or a health professional for guidance and advice.

Conclusion

Jala Neti is a very effective and safe practice for nasal cleansing, provided it is practiced under an experienced teacher. So try out this simple yet effective Shatkarma and reap it’s immense benefits. Please share your experience in the below comments!

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