I have, in the past, spoken about Jal Neti, which is a part of six purification systems of Hatha Yoga. Jal neti or water therapy helps to maintain good respiratory health. A jal neti pot or a neti pot as it is commonly referred to, helps with this therapy. A neti pot is a device that is very widely used not only in India but also abroad.
What is a jal neti pot?
As yoga becomes more popular in western countries, some of the therapies associated with yoga have also become widely used. The neti pot is one such device, which is meant for nasal irrigation. It is used to flush out mucous and other debris from the nasal passage. Shaped like a small kettle or rather like Aladdin’s lamp, this is usually made from ceramic or copper, and has a handle as well as a spout. Many people use the neti pot quite regularly to manage allergies, sinus problems, and for relief from nasal blockages such as colds and so on. The remarkable thing is, these days neti pots are more widely used in the west than in Indian homes.
How to use the jal neti pot
It is recommended that one must use sterile or previously boiled warm water since the water is to go into the nasal passages. Salt is added to the water to make a solution – not as salty as sea water, about as salty as human tears. Once the salt water solution is mixed inside the neti pot it is to be poured into the nostril in a way that it exits from the other nostril. For this, one must stand over a sink and tilt the head sideways to pour the salt water into the upper nostril and let it drain from the other nostril. Breathe via the mouth while you do this. If some of the water goes down the throat, it can be spitted out. After use the neti pot has to be washed and dried properly.
This process can be done daily or three times a week or as required for relief from allergies, sinus problems, blocked nose etc. The frequency and the amount of salt used can be adjusted according to requirement. This is found to be largely safe, though it is important to do it for the first time under expert guidance.
To know more about Jal Neti or other ways to improve respiratory health, contact me directly.