Jala Neti Reduces Asthma, Headaches and Sinus Problems
Jala neti is an incredible technique which helps clear the sinuses and helps with breathing difficulties. It also is a great way to prepare for asana and pranayama practice as it removes dust, dirt and mucus from the sinuses and nasal passages so allowing breathing to be deep, full and unhindered.
It can feel a bit weird at first, but with a little patience and practice you should be doing it well by your third or fourth attempt.
The only piece of equipment you need is a neti pot, a kind of sinus irrigator. This will be filled with a mixture of water and salt and placed at the entrance to the nostril. Watch the video for a demonstration.
For me this felt like the Rolls Royce of neti pots, mainly because it had a big enough capacity to help get a good clean-out without having to keep filling it up with water. I bought it from Health & Yoga (opens new window).
This yoga technique has been shown to be beneficial with allergies, colds, eye problems, hayfever and sinusitis and headaches. People can spend years of discomfort with these conditions and be taking all kinds of pills and potions, but the answer could be far simpler than they think.
Although it can seem a bit messy I can’t recommend this technique highly enough. It’s particularly good if you live in a city or dusty environment as a way to keep your nasal passages clear and allow you to breath easier.
How To Practice Jala Neti
1. Fill your neti pot with water (body temperature or slightly higher).
2. Mix in salt. 1 level teaspoon for 1/2 litre of water.
3. Taste the water and make sure it’s not too salty.
4. Stand over a sink or in your garden. Place nose-cone of your neti pot onto the right nostril and sealing it with a little pressure, aligning the spout along the nasal passage.
5. Breath through your mouth.
6. Bend forward so that tip of nose is lowest point of head.
7. Turn your head to the right keeping the spout in line with the nostril.
8. Using your right arm adjust the angle of the pot so that water begins to flow freely and evenly into the right nostril and pour out through the left nostril. Breathe slowly through the mouth.
9. When you have done half a pot (or full one if you wish) stop the flow and breath out through both nostrils.
10.Repeat with the left nostril.
Once finished it is important to dry the nostrils. This is best done by practicing gentle but rapid breathing through the nostrils, together and individually, until you feel the excessive moisture has gone.
Practice jala neti daily for a few weeks and you may be amazed by the results.
