Nasal Cleansing - Neti

Jala Neti - Neti with Water

The main purpose of Jala Neti is to remove all dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from the nasal passages with lukewarm water.
This may be done as follows: .

• Take a small half-litre capacity jug with a spout or nozzle. The size of the spout should be enough to enable inserting it into one's nostrils with ease. Fill the jug with pure lukewarm water and add one teaspoon of salt per half litre.
• Insert the spout in one of the nostrils, say, right nostril, and slightly tilt the head in the opposite direction so that the water comes out of the other (left) nostril.
• During this process, breathe only through the mouth. If there is no blockage in the nostrils the water will flow easily. Otherwise, it will take some time to pass through the other nostril. In case the water does not come out at all from the other nostril, you should perform Sutra Neti, which will be explained later. You should also ascertain that the water passes only through the other nostril and should not enter the mouth. If it does, then the position of the head should be adjusted accordingly.
• After completing the exercise, stand erect and bend forward at an angle of 90 degrees and blow the left nostril with vigour as in Kapalabhati Pranayama so that the residue water in the nasal passage comes out from the right nostril.
• Repeat the process by inserting the spout in the left nostril and remove the water from the right nostril. Also do Kapalabhati Pranayama to remove residue water from the right nostril.
• When the process of passing water through both nostrils is complete, stand erect and do Kapalabhati Pranayama by breathing in and out vigorously through both nostrils about 25 to 30 times in succession, laying more emphasis on exhalation so that all the water from the nasal passage comes out and the nose is fully dry.

Next, perform Shashanga Asana as follows:

• Sit in Vajra Asana. Bend the head forward and touch the floor with your forehead. Interlock hands and keep them on the back. Be in this posture for about two to three minutes. This Asana will remove any water droplets not removed by Kapalabhati Pranayama.

Those who attempt Jala Neti for the first time may experience some uncomfortable burning sensation in the head, which will disappear after repeated practise of this exercise. This may be done everyday in the early morning. Advanced students of Yoga may perform this with milk or ghee in place of water.
This is one of the easiest of all the Shat Karma practices ensuring profound benefits.

Benefits of Jala Neti

• Ensures relief from cold, sinusitis and other disorders of ears, eyes and throat.
• Chronic headache can be cured.
• Hair fall and premature greying is arrested.
• Brings relief to those suffering from insomnia and drowsiness.
• Particularly good for improving eyesight.
• The intellect is stimulated by the cooling and soothing effect on the brain.
• All diseases connected with different organs from the neck upwards can be effectively prevented and cured with the help of Jala Neti.

This exercise is prohibited for those who suffer from chronic haemorrhage in the nose.

Dugdha Neti - Neti with Milk

Another version of Netis is using diluted milk, pre-warmed to body temperature, in place of water. It is particularly beneficial to those suffering from chronic nose bleeding or for those who find salt water irritating.

Sutra Neti (Cleansing with Thread)

In this exercise, a cotton string of about 20 inches, stiffened with wax, is inserted into one of the nostrils and pulled out from the mouth. Then the string of both sides should be pulled to and fro about 25 to 30 times. Next, insert the cotton string into the other nostril and repeat the same process.

At times, cotton strings stiffened with wax may not be available. In this case, a thin rubber catherer may be used. This will be available at all leading medical stores.

Jala Neti may be practised after Sutra Neti so that nose blockage may be removed.
This should be attempted only under the guidance of an expert. Those doing this for the first time may experience pain while inserting the string into the nostriL They may also have a sneezing bout in the beginning. This is overcome after repeated practise.

All benefits derived from Jala Neti can also be obtained from Sutra Neti.