Nasal Cleansing - Neti

Jala Neti is one of the simplest yet most effective techniques
It works wonders for the body, particularly on patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. It has a profound effect on upper respiratory tract conditions, particularly hay fever. The regular practice of Neti also helps relieve headaches and facilitate prolonged youthfulness.

Technique

1. A special "Neti Pot" is first filled with lukewarm, slightly salted water. Its spout is then inserted into one nostril.

2. Place the cone into your nostril, sealing it inside with a few gentle twists
The position of your head is adjusted, slightly tilted, to allow the water to flow out your other nostril.

3. Breathe gently through your mouth, trying not to sniff or swallow while the water is flowing through.

The technique is not half as hard as it appears. In fact, once mastered, which should take a day or two at most. you will be surprised at both, the technique and its results.

Drying The Nose

Drying your nose properly is a very important part of the practice. Never neglect to do this part properly

It is called Vyutkrama, which is nothing but Kapalbhati, explained in detail in stage 5 of this section. A couple of rapid forceful expulsions and all the residual water will be ejected from your 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 - Nasal Cleansing Using a Rubber Catheter This is a very effective way of opening up the nasal passages to their fullest capacity. Technique 1. Pass a rubber catheter of about 1mm dimension into your nose through one nostril. 2. Slowly keep pushing it in until you feel it in your throat. 3. Now gently draw it out your mouth 4. Then gently tug the catheter to and fro a couple of times. 5. With practice, it can even be passed from one nostril through the other. But this requires a certain level of proficiency and is also not very necessary. The effect, however, is still the same. 6 Before and after usage it is advisable to rinse the catheter in warm water or medicated oil. 7. Repeat the exercise with the other nostril Remember, under no circumstances should you experience pain in the practice. If you feel any pain, it either means you are inserting the catheter too fast, or that it entered the wrong way and is stalled against the nasal wall, unless there is otherwise some other genetic obstruction. In which case, stop immediately, withdraw and reinsert the catheter carefully in another direction until you find a clear unimpeded passage. Take your time, gently inserting the catheter and always keep breathing normally. It is normal to feel tickled and have bouts of sneezing in the beginning You may also discharge a lot of mucous, so make sure to keep handkerchiefs or a box of tissues ready. Over time, as the mucous membranes, nerves and tissues get accustomed to the practice, the reaction will automatically reduce. Benefits Both Jala and Sutra Neti help extract all the impurity and bacteria filled mucus from the nasal and sinus cavities. This in turn, will help to restore the body’s mechanisms to natural and increase its immunity to nasal allergies like hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions like sore throats, chronic coughs and colds, post nasal drips, adenoids and tonsillitis. By cleansing the nasal passages it frees them of mucus and automatically reduces the tendency breathe orally. Neti is also of great benefit for eye and ear related disorders. By flushing the tear ducts, it facilitates clearer vision. Further, it has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands that govern the hormonal system, resulting in harmonized emotional behaviour. Both these practices should, ideally, be done regularly and integrated into one’s daily routine like bathing or brushing you teeth. Sutra Neti can be of great benefit, and is highly recommended, for those who find one nostril more blocked than the other. There appears to be some kind of fleshy obstruction like the cartilage obstructing the nasal passages. Short of a surgical treatment, Sutra Neti is the best alternative for removing such obstructions.