Hatha Yoga: The Yoga of the Physical Body.
Jala Neti: Nasal Cleansing With Water.
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Equipment.
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For this practice a special vessel called a neti lota is used (see diagram). If not available, use a teapot.
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Fill the vessel with pure lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold, but at blood temperature, suitable for pouring into the nose.
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Add about one teaspoon of salt per half liter of water, making sure it is completely dissolved.
Technique.
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Insert the spout gently into the left nostril.
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Slowly tilt the head to the right, so that water runs into the left nostril.
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The mouth should be open so that you can breathe through the mouth instead of the nose.
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The water should flow in through the left nostril and out through the right nostril.
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This will happen automatically, providing the position of the lota and the angle of the head are correct and the respiration is through the open mouth.
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Allow the water to flow freely through the nostrils for about 20 seconds.
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Then remove the lota and clean the nose by blowing with some vigor but not too much force! Do not blow so hard that injury results.
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Repeat the same process but tilt the head to the left and pour water into the right nostril.
Drying the Nose.
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Now the nose must be completely cleaned and dried in the following manner:
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Stand erect with feet together.
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Clasp hands behind the back.
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Bend forward from the waist until the head is upside down.
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Remain in this position for 30 seconds.
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This will allow all the water to drain from the nose.
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While in this position, blow vigorously through the nose 5 times.
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Then stand erect again.
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Close one of the nostrils by gently pressing the side.
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Breathe in and out vigorously 30 times in quick succession, emphasizing the exhalation to expel the maximum amount of moisture.
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Repeat the same process with the other nostril.
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Then with both nostrils open.
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If water still remains, repeat the drying process until the nose is completely dry.
General Advice.
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At the first attempt, a slight burning sensation may be felt when water passes through the nostrils. This is only due to the mucus membranes being unaccustomed to contact with water.
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After performing Jala Neti a few times, this sensation will not occur.
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The eyes may also become a little red at first but this will not occur after a short time.
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Those people who have a structural blockage in the nose and are not able to pass water freely through the nostrils should do sutra neti.
Frequency.
- Daily in the mornings, or more often for a cold.
Precautions.
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The water should only pass through the nose.
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If any water enters the throat or mouth, it is an indication that the position of the head is incorrect.
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Adjust the head until the water flows only through the nose.
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Make sure the nose is properly dried after doing Jala Neti, otherwise, the nasal passages may become irritated and manifest symptoms of a cold.
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Do not blow the nose too hard.
Limitations.
- Persons suffering from chronic hemorrhage in the nose should not do Jala Neti without expert advice.
Benefits.
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Removes all the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from the nasal passages.
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Aids in relieving colds and sinusitis, together with various disorders of the ears, eyes, throat, such as myopia, certain types of deafness, tonsillitis, inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.
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Has a cooling and soothing influence on the brain and is beneficial for hysteria, epilepsy, temper-tantrums, migraine, and depression.
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Gives a general feeling of lightness and freshness in the head and removes drowsiness.
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Helps awaken ajna chakra by stimulating the olfactory bulb above the sinuses.
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