by Penny Phillip

Created on: December 07, 2008

Neti or Jala Neti, is a yoga technique for cleansing the nasal passages using a special receptacle called the Neti pot. This is shaped somewhat like a small teapot with a tapered spout and ideally has a capacity of about half a liter. A Neti pot is preferably stainless steel, but may also be plastic or ceramic.

The best time for using the Neti pot is on waking in the morning, before breakfast. First fill the pot with a salt solution made by fully dissolving a teaspoon of salt in about 500 ml of lukewarm water. Standing over a sink or in the shower, place the cone of the Neti pot into one nostril adjusting it so that the nasal passage is sealed. Bending forward from the waist, gently tilt your head at about a 45 degree angle. The free nostril will be lower than the one with the spout in it.

Breathing through the mouth, allow the salt solution to flow into the nostril, all the while maintaining the seal of the spout in your nostril. Fluid will drain out through the lower nostril. Use half of the solution in the Neti pot then straighten up and blow your nostrils gently before repeating the whole process on the opposite side.

Perfecting this technique takes some practice, but once you have mastered it you may want to progress to the next level. After completing the steps described above, the Neti pot is refilled with salt solution and the snout inserted as before. This time, while the fluid is flowing in, slow breaths are taken through the nose, drawing fluid backwards which is then spat out through the mouth, taking care not to swallow any.

At the end of every cleansing session, dry your nasal passages by breathing rapidly first through both nostrils, then through either nostril with the opposite side occluded.

The techniques of Neti are most easily learned by observing someone who has already mastered the skill. Also, when starting out, it is best to have someone observe you who is skilled in the use of the Neti pot.

Precautions include avoiding forceful nose-blowing during the procedure, and making sure to dry out the nasal passages as much as possible at the end. Failure to do so, may allow fluid to remain in or around the nasal passages, possibly leading to infection. It is also very important to wash and dry the Neti pot thoroughly after each use to prevent infection.

Neti pot use has been found to be effective for nasal irrigation in people with sinus problems and depending on the severity of their symptoms the recommended frequency of nasal cleansing may vary from daily to several times per week. Side effects include nasal irritation and rarely, nosebleed. As with any medical condition, people with sinus problems or other conditions for which Neti pot use is being considered, should first discuss this technique with their doctor.

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