We know that yoga has many benefits, it strengthens our body, calms the mind, improves flexibility, and gives you balance. Some such yogic techniques in yoga also claim to keep the body disease-free. One such technique is Neti. Neti is one such action, which is done for the purification of the Nadis of the body.
Neti kriya is one of the Shatkarmas that form the most important aspect of hatha yoga. Neti helps in managing diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Neti is a technique to clear nasal passages to the upper part of the respiratory system. The purpose of this process is to purify the respiratory tract from the nostrils to the throat.
Jal neti is one of the best preventive measures to treat sinus infections and it is a practice of clearing the sinus passages with warm saltwater. It has been around for centuries for its myriad and powerful benefits. Neti may be broadly classified into Jal neti and Sutra neti. Jal Neti is most widely practiced.
Jal Neti:-
Jal neti has become quite popular in many western countries where it is widely used as a natural remedy for dealing with the common cold, allergies, and some types of asthma. Water is water and neti or policy denotes a prescribed system or process. Jal Neti is a yogic technique that cures all diseases related to the eyes, nose, throat, and brain. One of the main functions of the nose is to control the temperature and humidity of the incoming air.
Also Read: Yoga Asana for Irregular Periods
Jal neti is also known as nasal irrigation. This stream of water removes mucus from the nose, removes bacteria, and clears the sinuses. It helps in reducing headaches and improves eyesight and also helps in meditating on a spiritual level, in this way it activates our mental chakra (Ajna Chakra).
Health Benefits-
- The main benefit of Jal Neti is that it removes mucus and pollutants from the nasal passages, allowing the air to flow freely. It helps in relieving allergies, colds, and sinusitis.
- This action prevents and manages diseases of the respiratory tract such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Jal neti cures ear, eye, and throat disorders like myopia, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and tonsillitis.
- This action helps to relieve muscle tension of the face, tics, and Bell’s palsy.
- This action cools the mind of people suffering from epilepsy and migraine.
- It helps in reducing anxiety, anger, and depression.
- Jal neti brings harmony and balance between the right and left cerebral hemispheres thereby improving blood circulation and digestion.
How to do Jal Neti correctly?
To do neti, you have a special vessel called neti lota or neti pot. The nozzle of the spout tip of your neti lota should fit into your nostril so that water does not leak out. Then you make sure that the water is at body temperature and add salt to it. You add the ratio of salt to one teaspoon per a half-liter of water.
There are two phases of Jal Neti:
Step 1: Wash the nose
- First, fill the pot with salty water and stand straight with your feet apart.
- Now bend forward and from your back and close your eyes.
- Now tilt your head to one side and then lift your chin slightly while moving your head back.
- You breathe through your mouth and insert the nozzle into your upper nostril.
- Now press the nozzle of the vessel firmly into the nostril to avoid leakage of water.
- Now tilt the neti vessel in such a way that the saltwater of the pot goes into the nostrils.
- Now adjust the position of your body so that the saltwater can pass through the other nostril.
- Remove the nozzle from the nose when half the saline water is released. Now let the water drain out from the other two nostrils.
- Now blow your nose gently to remove any mucus.
- Now tilt your head to the other side and repeat the process back.
Step 2: Dry the nostrils
To dry your nostrils, you need to follow these steps:
- First, you stand straight and you close your right nostril with your right thumb. Now inhale and exhale rapidly through your left nostril 5 to 10 times. Now repeat the same action on the other side as well.
- You stand straight and bend forward horizontally from the waist. Close your right nostril. Tilt your head to the right and inhale and exhale rapidly through your left nostril 5 to 10 times. You repeat the same process on the left side.
- Stand straight with your feet apart. You close your right nostril and exhale forcefully while bending forward rapidly from your waist. Now breathing normally, come back to the straight position. You do this 5 to 10 times. Repeat the same process by closing the left nostril and then ending with opening both the nostrils.
Side Effects and Contraindications-
It is very important to take precautions in Jalneti. First of all, this action should be done in the presence of an expert.
- Jal neti should not be recommended for people with high blood pressure because of the risk of it.
- Pregnant women should not practice Jal Neti.
- It is also not suitable for children under 10 years of age.
- Pranayama should be done to dry the nose. Close one nostril and repeat it with the other nostril and then do this by keeping both the nostrils open.
- The nose should not be wiped very vigorously as it can cause water to enter the ears.
- While doing this yoga action one should breathe through the mouth.
Some Important FAQs
Q-1 When should one practice Jal Neti?
A- Jal neti can be practiced daily. You can practice this three to four times a week or during seasonal changes. The best time for Jal Neti is in the morning.
Q-2 Can you do Jal neti with cold water?
A- It is advisable not to use cold water for Jal neti as the cold water temperature can further clog the nasal cavity. The water for Jalneti should be lukewarm so that it can open the nasal cavity.
Q-3 What type of vessel should be used for Jalneti?
A- Jal neti pots are made of a variety of materials ranging from stainless steel and copper to porcelain or plastic. Choose a vessel that is comfortable to hold and with a spout that is not too long or too short.
Q-4 Does Jal neti cause ear infections?
A- Yes, the practice of Jal Neti can cause ear infections in a person. This happens when one fails to perform Jal Neti properly. You should see that the water does not come out from the nose. Using excessive force can cause water to leak into the ear, which can lead to infection.
Lastly- Jal Neti involves the cleansing of both the nasal passages. It enhances immunity, relieves muscle tension, and cures dry noses, congestion, allergies, and asthma. It is also used to relieve certain conditions such as fever, headache, and recurrent infections. It treats the upper respiratory tract such as sinusitis, tonsillitis and also reduces anxiety and depression.
Regular practice of Jal Neti helps in doing Pranayama. Just as cleaning the teeth is dental hygiene, similarly, the practice of Jal Neti is the cleanliness of the nose. The Jal Neti technique is used to purify the respiratory tract and remove toxins from the nasal passages.
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