What is Jal Neti?

Jal Neti is a technique that was used by yogis to stay disease-free, and most importantly to use their breath well for their yogic practices without any blockages. Just as brushing the teeth is dental hygiene, the practice of Jal Neti is nasal hygiene. This technique uses water to purify and clean the nasal path, right from the nostrils to the throat.

Jal Neti is one of the six-purification procedures or ‘Shatkarmas’ mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika.

Things you need

• A Jalneti pot
• A pinch of salt
• Lukewarm water

A Jal Neti pot is usually small and has a long spout on one side, which is small enough to be inserted gently into one of the nostrils during the process.

Benefits of Jal Neti

• Daily practice helps maintain the nasal hygiene by removing the dirt and bacteria trapped along with the mucus in the nostrils.
• It soothes the sensitive tissues inside the nose, which can assuage a bout of rhinitis or allergies.
• It is beneficial in dealing with asthmatic conditions and making breathing easier.
• It reduces tinnitus and middle ear infections.
• It helps abate sinusitis or migraine attack.
• It can alleviate upper respiratory complaints like sore throats, tonsils, and dry coughs.
• It can clear the eye ducts and improve vision.
• Clearing of nasal passages helps improve the sense of smell and thereby improves digestion.
• It calms the nervous system and the mind. It also helps relieve stress and brings clarity to the mind.
• People have experienced a reduction in their anger by practicing Jal Neti regularly.
• It helps improve the quality of your meditation.

Jal Neti precautions

• The nose should be dried properly after the process.
• People with high blood pressure should be careful during this part. If one feels dizzy while drying the nose, then it should be done standing upright.
• Take care that you do not leave any water in the nasal passages as it might cause an infection.
• Like any other yogic practice, learn it from an expert practitioner.

Jal Neti goes beyond nasal cleansing and helps in aligning your body, mind, and soul. Hence, it should be practiced daily and not only when one has a nasal blockage or cold.

Want healthy Lifestyle?

Dr. Sejal Shah, a doctor, and a Sri Sri Yoga expert says, “Don’t get daunted by the description. It is not as difficult as it sounds. Usually, when people hear about Jal Neti, their first reaction is – how can I put water inside the nose? But once they do it, the same people come back and say – this is so easy and amazing! This has been my experience with all my students.”

Learn to practice Jal Neti at a Sri Sri Yoga Level 2 program.