Jala Neti • Nasal Cleansing

Jala Neti • Nasal Cleansing

Most colds and viruses are breathed in through the nose. From there they work their way through our system to the throat, chest, and into the entire respiratory system. One of the most effective ways of stopping that cycle is to clean out the nasal passages. A neti pot and some lightly salted water can do the job quite thoroughly. Nasal cleansing exerts a profound physiological effect on the body and mind. On the physical level, irrigation of the nasal mucosaremoves accumulated mucus from the nostrils, associated passages and sinuses, allowing air to flow without obstruction. Regular practice of neti maintains healthy secretory drainage mechanisms of the entire ear, nose and throat area. This helps to ward off colds and coughs, hay fever, and tonsillitis. It builds up resistance to various diseases of the ears, eyes, and throat. Practicing neti promotes a balance between the right and left nostrils and consequently the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This induces a state of harmony and balance throughout the entire central nervous system, and the systems governing respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and excretory functions

Practice

Jala neti

Using a neti pot (illustration or a small cup with a spout, a small teapot or watering can will work), fill it with warm saline water. The salt should be just enough to taste. Stand squarely, legs apart, body weight evenly distributed between the two feet and lean forward. Tilt the head to the right side and place the neti pot nozzlein the left nostril. Open the mouth slightly and breathe through the mouth only. Keep the whole body relaxed and let the water pass out through the right nostril. When you have used the water, remain bending forward, center the head and let the water run out of the nose. close the right nostril with the finger and blow gently through the left nostril so that all the remaining water comes out. Repeat, passing the water through the right nostril.

Throughout the whole practice, keep breathing through the mouth and do not attempt to breathe through the nose. When blowing the nose, do not blow very hard, otherwise remaining water may be pushed into the ears. It is important to remove all the water after the practice so irritation of the sinuses and mucus membranes does not occur.

• Notice which nostril is blocked. Does it change from day to day? At different times during the day?

• After doing the neti, do you feel a sense of clarity?

• What happens to your hearing?

• Does food taste differently? What about your sense of smell?


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