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Jala Neti
Hi everyone,
found this new little device for cleaning the nasal passages. This has been used for thousands of years by Yogi's and Yogini's it has a multitude of benefits both spiritual and physical and can help relieve ear, eye, nose and even brain issues due to blockages in the canals in the head.
the original link is here : http://www.soul-guidance.com/health/neti.htm
I have pulled some of the text to put in here as it is valuable information but check out the original link for pictures and additional info.
namaste
Patryc
Quote:
INTRODUCTION TO JALA NETI
Jala Neti, or nasal cleansing using warm salty water, is a very ancient technique which has been passed on for thousands of years by the Yogis for both physical as well as deeper spiritual benefits. Now is possibly a time of the greatest need for such a practice by modern people. With the ever increasing incidence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis, colds, influenzas, etc, as well as the rapid degeneration of spiritual consciousness in some sections of society, the practice of Jala Neti could serve as a panacea for helping to improve the lives of many people. Neti is a practice which is very beneficial to the cleanliness of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, as well as the thinking processes. There are more than 7 different methods and stages of doing Neti, however we will only be describing the essential beginners ones here which may easily be learned from any yoga teacher experienced in them.
Summary of the Technique
A special Neti Pot is filled with warm, slightly salted water. Do not use chlorinated tap water, use pure water, distilled is always a safe bet. Lean forward over the sink, head half down and turned to the side. The nose cone is placed against one nostril and the position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. Only breathe through the mouth whilst the water is flowing through the nasal passages. After half a pot has flowed in one direction, change sides, so the water flow is reversed. You can do a second pot if desired. When the water in the pot is finished, the nose must be dried well. Take your time, as the water will come down by itself in a minute or two. "Swimming pool head" may happen before you get the hang of it, and learn just how to hold your head correctly. Also plain water or water that is not quite salty enough may cause that reaction.
The technique is not as hard or uncomfortable as one may at first think. Most people are pleasantly surprised after even their first attempt, at just how simple and effective this method of health maintenance is. Once learned, the practice can be done in about 3 minutes, and like showering and cleaning the teeth, Neti is easily integrated into one's daily routine of body cleansing.
SUMMMARY OF THE BENEFITS OF JALA NETI
Neti removes all the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from within the nose.
It also helps to drain the sinus cavities. This, in turn, will help to re-program the body's natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hay fever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.
It is beneficial for illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus.
It has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and general mental tension.
Neti is of great benefit for problems associated with the eyes. It helps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision and gives a sparkle to the eyes.
It can be beneficial for certain types of ear disorders such as middle ear infections, glue ear, tinnitus.
Neti improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore lost sense of smell, and thereby benefits the relationship with taste and digestive processes.
It has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system. This has a harmonizing effect on emotional behaviors.
Neti affects the psychic center known as Ajna Chakra which helps in awakening higher states of meditation.
It helps to stimulate better powers of visualization and concentration and gives a feeling of lightness and clarity to the mind.
Neti is excellent for those trying to give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, Neti re-sensitizes the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.
DETAILS OF THE METHOD OF JALA NETI STAGE 1
1. First fill the Neti Pot with warm water of a temperature suitable for pouring in the nose. Not too hot or cold. Test it in your mouth to really tell if it is right. Pure water is best if available. Mix in salt to the proportion of one teaspoon for half a liter of water. In our 400 ml pot this would be a bit less than one level normal sized teaspoon. Sea salt is best if available. See paragraph following "Recommended Salts for Use in Jala Neti". Mix the salt thoroughly. Taste the water and gargle or spit, just to be sure of the correct mix and temperature. It will not be as salty as sea water. Adjust if not correct. After several attempts you will be able to recognize the correct mixture.
2. Now slowly bend forward from the waist so that the tip of the nose is the lowest point of the head, and then tilt/roll the head to the right, so that the left nostril is now the lowest point of the nose.
Place the nose cone against the right nostril opening, with slight pressure. Align the spout straight up with the nasal passage, do not block off the tip of the nozzle on the inside of the nose. Open your mouth and hold your breath to start then breathe gently through the mouth. Do not sniff, swallow, talk or have any movement of air through the nose whilst the water is flowing through.
Tilt the pot slowly so that water doesn't run out the top of the pot onto your face. Keep the nose cone fully sealed into the nostril so that it doesn't leak. Just wait a few seconds and the water should run out the left nostril. Keep breathing slowly and gently through the mouth. After the water begins to run, wait about 30 seconds for half a pot to flow right to left, and then remove the pot and raise your head full upright, even back a bit, before you change sides.
4. Tip the head slightly forward again, blow out gently through both nostrils to clear water and mucus from the nose.
5. Repeat but with the nose cone entering the other nostril. Do twice on each side if desired or needed, as when you have a cold.
6. After the pot runs dry, stand up, blow out gently through both nostrils and then prepare to dry out the nose.
If, after doing Neti as directed above, there is still a mucus blockage, the whole process may be repeated several times. If this still fails to clear the nose, it is recommended that you visit a doctor to ascertain if there is some structural blockage in the nose. Once a day is usually enough but in sickness it can be done twice. Do not go outside into cold air right after doing neti.
Drying the Nose
Drying the nose is important. People with high blood pressure should be careful, if dizziness results when blowing to clear the nose, only do it standing upright.
Bend forward and hang the head upside down so any residual water drains from the nose. Then point the nose towards the knees. In each position, gently breathe in the mouth and out the nose about 10 times. A few droplets of water may run down.
Then stand up to do some rapid breathing (not too hard!) through the nostrils. First do 10 breaths through both nostrils together, sniffing in and out moderately with a bit more emphasis on the exhalation. Then close off the right nostril with one
finger and do 10 rapid sniffing breaths through the left nostril only. Then do 10 sniffing breaths through the right nostril only. Finally, do 10 breaths again through both nostrils together. This should clear and dry the nose. If it feels as if there is still some water in there, repeat the drying process again.
Difficulties Sometimes Experienced
- the angle of the head and/or pot is incorrect
- breathing in through the nose while the water was passing through
- one blocked nostril causes 'damming up'.
Stinging in the nose may be due to:
- too little salt and/or the water being too hot
- newness of the practice which will pass after several attempts
- pollutants in your water or contaminants (dust, bugs, etc.) entering the pot.
If water will not flow freely:
- the end of the nozzle may be blocked against the inside of the nose
- relax the nose, don't tense up
- it may be a temporary mucus blockage, which will clear after several attempts, gargle first
- the water could be too cold which causes the nose to close up
- if it is a permanent blockage, consult a medical practitioner.
Nose Bleeds:
- can happen initially to those with high blood pressure, or those with extremely sensitive, raw or irritated nasal lining. One should desist
from the practice and seek guidance before continuing.
Recommended Frequency of Neti Practice
For general nasal cleanliness, once or twice a day is usually sufficient. Nasal Cleansing is best practiced first thing in the morning to clear out the night's grogginess and prepare the body for the day's breathing activities. However, if you live or work in a dusty or polluted environment where the nostrils have an increased load of filtering, a good second occasion is upon returning from such work. Neti should always be done before rather than after meals. It can be done up to a maximum of 4 times a day for therapeutic applications: upon waking before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner, before bed; but only upon qualified advice. In the case of a cold, 3 - 4 times a day will give great relief, providing the nose is well dried and this frequency does not induce nose bleeds.
Limitations
- Persons who suffer chronic nose bleeds should seek qualified guidance.
- Jala Neti is not contra-indicated for any particular illnesses or ailments per se, but care should be taken and guidance sought, by those with high blood pressure, migraine headaches and those with a history of nasal medications.
- May be done by children with guidance.
- Do not recommend the practice to others or attempt to teach anyone yourself unless fully competent and confident in the technique.
- No other substances or additives other than warm, salty water should be used by the novice.
Recommended Salts for Use in Jala Neti
Confusion often arises as to which type of salt is best for use in Jala Neti. Ideally pure Sea Salt should be used. Below are some of the different types of salt available on the market today and their suitability for use in Jala Neti.
Cooking Salt. This is generally nothing other than pure sea salt, but check on the packet. It varies in coarseness depending on the brand. The finer the better for quick and even dissolving. If you can't get it fine, grind your own from whatever you can buy. Store it airtight to avoid lumping up. Found in most supermarkets and health food shops.
Table Salt. This is just finely ground cooking salt with a free-flowing agent in it to stop it lumping up in your salt shaker. Who needs aluminum, silicone or iodine up their nose? Can be used for Jala Neti without any harm when cooking salt is not available, but try to avoid it if possible.
Vegetable Salt. This is a compound mixture of salts, herbs and spices, and will do your nose and olfactory senses NO GOOD AT ALL !
Rock Salt. Depending on where they come from, rock salts can have a range of other mineral salts in them and are therefore not recommended for Neti. They are usually very big, hard crystals requiring a salt cellar. Nice for cooking with, but not for up your nose.
Macrobiotic Salt. Often gray in color. Usually just sea salt from Japan and therefore more expensive than local salt. May be used for Neti with no harm.
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Last edited by Patryc; 11-16-2008 at 06:20 AM.
Reason: repeated message
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06-24-2008, 02:08 AM
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