Benefits of Jala Neti: Ayurvedic Nasal Cleansing

Jala Neti is one Ayurvedic technique that improves one's breathing and relieves any underlying diseases that block one’s respiratory tract. Just like we brush our teeth to maintain our dental hygiene and mouth health, Jala Neti helps manage one's nasal health and hygiene.

Jala Neti is one of the six-purification methods stated in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. There are many benefits of Jala Neti for users. This blog will cover the benefits, process and side effects of this Ayurvedic technique.

The tools and ingredients you require to perform Jala Neti are:

• Jala Neti pot
• Lukewarm water
• Pinch of salt

Moreover, a Jala Neti pot is a small instrument that is usually small in size and has a long spout on one side. To make the treatment effective, you will definitely need to have a proper Jala Neti pot.

Make sure the spout is narrow so you can comfortably insert it into your nose. You also need to ensure that the water is the same temperature as your body or just slightly warm.

Remember you need to mix one teaspoon of salt with 500 ml of water and properly mix them. If you feel a burning sensation while practising the Jala Neti procedure, you have to add salt in more proportions.

First Stage- Washing Your Nostrils

Step 1: First, fill the Jala Neti pot with salt water.

Step 2: Stand straight with your legs apart.

Step 3: You need to lean forward from the back and close your eyes.

Step 4: Now, tilt your head to one side and slightly raise your chin while moving the head back. 

Step 5: Breathe through your mouth and insert the pot inside your nostril.

Step 6: The head should be placed so the water can travel from one nostril to another.

Step 7: Continue pouring water till the water on the pot finishes.

Step 8: Now, sit straight or adjust your body so the salt water can flow from your nostrils.

Step 9: You can blow your nose gently if you feel the need to do so to remove any excess mucus.

Step 10: Repeat this same process with your other nostril.

Second Stage- Drying Your Nostrils

Step 1: You must stand straight, close the right nostril with your right thumb, and breathe through the left nostril 5 – 10 times quickly. Once over, repeat the same process with the other nostril.

Step 2: You need to bend horizontally from your back, close your right nostril, and tilt your head to the right. Then, you need to breathe in and out through your left nostril 5-10 times. Repeat the same process with the other nostril.

Step 3: You must stand straight with your feet apart and close your right nostril. While doing so, you must also breathe out forcefully while bending forward from your waist. After completing this, you must return to your normal position while breathing normally. You must do this 5-10 times and repeat the same for the left nostril.

To reap the benefits of Jala Neti, one can regularly practice it every morning. Below, we have curated a list of all the benefits of this Ayurvedic practice for you:

• Regularly practising this purification method will keep your nasal passage clean. As a result, your respiratory system will also strengthen.
• Daily practice of Jala Neti will also help you remove any dirt and bacteria trapped inside your nose along with your mucus.
• It can help you with sleep apnea.
• It aids in dealing with asthma as it improves one’s breathing process.
• Regular use of Jala Neti helps to soothe sensitive tissues instead of the nostrils,
• It also reduces the chances of getting allergies or rhinitis.
• Jala Neti also helps in lessening migraine attacks and sinuses.
• Alleviates upper respiratory troubles like tonsils, sore throats and dry coughs.
• It helps in reducing middle ear infections like tinnitus.
• You can use it to clear your eye ducts and improve vision.
• This procedure results in an improved digestive system as the nasal passage is clear and improves the sense of smell and taste.
• If performed before mediation, it helps improve your quality of mediation.
• Practising it on a regular basis calms down the nervous system and mind. As a result, one's stress and anxiety also decrease.
• Performing this procedure has also resulted in decreasing anger for some people.
• If you practice this technique over a prolonged period, inflammation in the respiratory system will decrease.

There is no doubt that Jala Neti has innumerable benefits. However, any good thing can have certain side effects. So, the side effects of Jala Neti are:

• Itching and a burning sensation in the nasal passage are common side effects of Jala Neti.
• This practice might cause nosebleeds for some.
• A person using the same Neti pot for a long time can cause certain detrimental health conditions like an infection on one’s sinus lining.
• While performing this procedure, if the pot is too hot or the salt is too much in the water, it can cause harm to the sensitive nasal tissues.
• If a person accidentally ingests the nasal water while performing this procedure, all the bacteria in the nasal passage can enter the body of a person and can cause fungal infections.

Due to all the above-mentioned side effects, it is always suggested that people perform this procedure in front of a yoga instructor or expert if they are doing this for the first time.

However, the number of benefits of this procedure outdoes its side effects. One needs to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before performing Jala Neti. Moreover, beginners should perform this only under expert supervision.

People in the West opt for nasal irrigation, where they use hydro pumps and plastic nasal tubes, and without the help of gravity, the same results are met. However, Jala Neti will give you the same effects for almost free. Also, the benefits of Jala Neti are more than the nasal irrigations offered in most Western spas.