The benefits of Jala Neti

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Benefits of Jala Neti

By Steven Aitchison

I first discovered Jala Neti after reading a book The Breath of Life: Mastering the Breathing Techniques of Pranayama & Qi Gong which was a great book all around. It described a way to clean out the nasal passage which I thought looked extremely weird. Basically it involves getting a little teapot –like jug, putting warm salt water in it and then put the spout up one nostril tilt your head and let the water flow out the other nostril.

Sound weird, well it is until you actually do it and discover the benefits of it.

What is Jala Neti?

Jala neti is an ancient Indian yoga technique, meaning literally “water cleansing”. Jala neti, though relatively unknown to western culture, is a common practice in parts of India and other areas in south east asia, performed as routinely as using a toothbrush. It is performed daily usually the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. Sometimes it is done more often such as at the end of the day if you work or live in a dusty or polluted environment. When dealing with problems of congestion it can be performed up to 4 times a day and has been shown to speed up the healing process for common colds.

The Neti pot (shown left) is filled with warm water, as I mentioned before.

The spout is inserted into one nostril, the head is tilted, as shown and the warm salty water flows through one side of the nasal cavity to the other and out the other nostril.

How it works

For those who may not have much idea of the internal workings of the nasal cavities, it may seem like a stupid or even dangerous thing to pour warm salty water through ones nose. But when examined with an open mind and a simple picture of the physiological structures involved, fears and misunderstandings can be cleared up. The first line of nasal defence are the tiny hairs called “cilia” which should trap larger particles entering the nose. These cilia are usually cleansed by the act of normal breathing and by blowing the nose, but sometimes, due to a gradual build up of dirt, they can become clogged and may require washing out. The whole of the nasal passages from nose tip to throat (and beyond) are covered with a layer of mucus. This mucus is secreted from within the mucous lining, and its function is to trap smaller foreign particles and bacteria. The dirty mucus is normally blown out, snorted and coughed out or swallowed. The sinus passages are an even finer mechanism of filtering which, if infected, secrete a runny mucus to evict the germs. This is generally called sinusitis and can be a short term symptom or a chronic condition.

neti in action In Stage 1, the water simply flows up one nostril to just above the bridge of the nose where the usual air flows meet, backwards into the middle cavity and then the water flows down and out the other side of the nose. In this route, it passes by the frontal and mid nasal sinuses. In Stage 1 there should be no flow of water back towards the throat or into the mouth. When done correctly, there is usually very little sensation as the water will be the same temperature as the blood, and the salinity will be the same salinity as the blood. As a result, the nose hardly notices the flow through.

In the more advanced of Stages 2 and 3, only attempted after mastery of Stage 1, the water flows fully through the whole nasal cavity, down the back of the nasopharynx and comes out through the mouth. In this route, it passes by the post nasal sinuses, cleansing all the nasal passages more strongly. In neither version is there any discomfort or damage to the nasal functions. Ideally, at no stage, should any water

actually go up into the sinus passages or the eustachian tubes. However, this may happen if the practitioner breathes incorrectly or blows too strongly when drying. In such an event, a few minutes of air drying will usually clear out any stray water droplets. This only causes momentary discomfort and is not dangerous unless an infection is spread where none was before. However, the rules and procedures of the yogic method of Jala Neti make this very unlikely. The way in which Jala Neti rinses out the dirt and bacteria filled mucous lining would be obvious to most people as the warm water loosens and dissolves any internal build ups, and takes them outwards. But what may not be so obvious is that, due to gravity and a venturi effect, the sinus passages are also drained by the vacuum pressure flow of the water. Whereas it would normally be impossible to drain a “dead end” passage like the sinuses, Jala Neti achieves this ingeniously and simply.

For those with thick mucus conditions as well as those with running sinuses, the relief of sinus pressure can be felt within seconds. As well, the eustachian tubes (which are also dead end passages) receive exactly the same effects as the sinuses, that being – a drawing outwards of dirt and mucus. Hence Jala Neti is of great benefit for blockages and infections of the middle ear, by draining the tubes to relieve the pressure build up as well as removing germs. In a more detailed examination, it would also be seen that through the effect of osmosis and capillary action, the blood vessels of the nose are stimulated to cleanse as well.

The eyes are also beneficially affected by Neti. The tear ducts, which connect from the eyes into the nasal passages, get the same drawing out effect as the sinuses, and this results in a brighter, clearer sense of vision.

Other 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 reprogramme the body’s natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hayfever, 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, tinitis.

• Neti improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore lost sense of smell, and thereby benefits the relationship with taste and the digestive processes.

• It has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system. This has a harmonising effect on emotional behaviour.

• Neti affects the psychic centre known as Ajna Chakra which helps in awakening higher states of meditation.

• It helps to stimulate better powers of visualisation 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-sensitises the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.

I have been using the jala Neti technique for almost three years and have found it extremely beneficial when I have blocked sunuses and on the odd occasion I get a headache. At first I used it every day for about 6 months, however now I tend to only use it when needed, which is probably not the correct way to do it.

If you decide to try this I would suggest buying a good plastic neti pot as the metal ones tend to discolour which made me stop using it until I bought another one and by the time I got around to buying another one I got out of the habit of using it.

Filed Under: Health, Science

Comments

April says:

August 8, 2007 at 10:58 am

I just bought a neti pot today and have so far used it twice. Took a little bit of getting used to but generally better than I thought.

The only thing is that I’m having to blow my nose quite a bit afterwards. I’m not sure if that’s normal or not.

Reply
Steven Aitchison says:

August 8, 2007 at 11:15 am

Hi April

I had the same problem when I first started using the neti pot. Sometimes when i bent over water would come dripping from my nose, it can be quite embarassing.

there is a way to combat this. When you have finished using the neti pot bend over as if you were going to touch your toes. Water will probably come out of your nose at this point. I would say stay bent over for a few minutes. do this each time you finish.

Once you have been using the neti pot for a few weeks your tubes should be clear and you won’t get this problem.

Hope this helps.

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Jenn says:

October 23, 2008 at 12:50 am

I have used the netty pot for 10 months now. I have terrible allergies and sinusitis which causes me to have earaches; I use to always have to take sudafed everyday to stay decongested sometimes more then once a day for years. Now that I have started using the netty pot my allergies are 98% gone I rarely have any earaches where normally it would be twice a month for a week at a time. I dont have to take any kind of pills anymore for my allergies or anymore sudafed. It is wonderful I mix my own solution 1 cup salt and 1 cup baking soda put it though a clean spice grinder and use a tsp each time mixed with warm water. I use it in the morning and in the evening time however if allergies are high ragweed kills me I use it as soon as I come in from outside. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with allergy problems life saver. Hope this helps.

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ED says:

October 24, 2008 at 3:53 pm

BEEN USING THE NETTY POT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE SOLUTION USED IS, 1/4 SEA SALT WITH 12 OZ WARM TAB WATER. THIS ALIEVES MY SINUS CONDITION AND PREVENTS THE SINUS CONDITION FROM DEVELOPING INTO A CHEST COLD.

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Photo by Glen Hawaii says:

October 28, 2008 at 10:42 pm

TRULY a BLESSING I have used my Neti Pot for one month and I am amazed!!!!!

I had sinus and middle ear problems for about 2 years. Feeling dizzy and out of sorts for a long time. After only a couple of weeks use I have had not Sinus, Ear problems. i love it and feel so energized!!! and ALIVE!!!

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Alisha Harper says:

November 5, 2008 at 10:58 pm

The neti pot is a very useful tool as it cleans the sinuses mechanically as apposed to taking pharmaceuticals to ease congestion and pain. I grew up in the Caribbean and after a day spent at the beach swimming & breathing the clean air my sinuses would be clean for the rest of the week. Now I live in London and have terrible allergies which result in chronic sinusitis. I can’t just go to the beach so I use the neti pot. When travelling or on the go I use a product called Sterimar. I would highly recommend Sterimar – it is sea water in a can with a nozzle – available at Boots. I take it with me whenever I travel to avoid extreme sinus pain due to the pressure on planes.

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Richard Yale says:

December 16, 2008 at 1:12 am

A Medical Doctor, friend, of ours recommended the Neti Pot to us. Both of us had horrible head colds, that soon developed into Bronchitis. Since I started using the Neti Pot, maybe five times so far, I am not taking any cold medications, nasal sprays or aspirin. This is truly amazing! I noticed on the very first use, an increased sense of smell. I can breathe through my mouth for the first time in forever. I have asthma and chronic bronchitis and COPD. Stopped smoking several years ago and this is the first time I feel really able to breathe well, I am sold!

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Sunil Jugulkar says:

December 21, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Have had Allergic Rhinitis since almost 10 years now, but my real issue with using Jala-Neti is, I have a heavily blocked nostril (alternating sides, one at a time) during winters – so much so that no amount of running around can clear it up for me to use Neti. There is no physical obstruction and i am at my wits end. I really want to benefit from this technique but i dont know how I can. Please advise.

Reply
- Kiran says:
  
  February 7, 2011 at 7:15 pm
  
  sometimes the blockage could be elsewhere but the effect is felt in the nose or sometimes in the eyes (one being more weaker/strained) than the other. If treating nose is not changing the condition, I would say the problem is elsewhere. perhaps, the pressure/strength difference of your legs/hips can have effects on the nose. check it out…hope it helps.
  
  Reply
Nasal Irrigation says:

April 21, 2009 at 11:13 am

Hi. What type of metal was your neti-pot? I would imagine that copper pots go green fairly quickly. Stainless steel ones should last a lot longer though.

Reply
Alan Bliss says:

May 7, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Can anyone please advise if the Netipot will help with removing catarrh in the throat, as well as the nasal passages?

Reply
Steven Aitchison says:

May 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm

Hi Alan

Yes it will help to clear all your nasal passage tubes which includes the back of your throat. The water being passed from each nasal cavity will create a vacuum like effect a suck up catarah and other stuff in your nasal passages.

Hope this helps.

Reply
Milind says:

June 11, 2009 at 3:12 am

In response to comment by Sunil Jugulkar on 21 December 2008:

I have a similar issue; if really clogged, water tends to come from the mouth. The only suggestion is keep at it – eventually it will clear up. I think it is more effective if you use it BEFORE the allergy / provoking season begins and continue twice daily use through that time period.

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vamu says:

September 10, 2009 at 3:01 pm

the netty is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Lucky says:

October 21, 2009 at 9:14 am

Hi…

Is Neti beneficial for people suffering from Nasal Polyps?

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cheryl says:

January 7, 2010 at 12:33 pm

hi,
i am suffering from flu with the added complication of what i believe is sinusitus. i have a very bunged up feeling, have no sense of smell or taste whatsoever and me ears feel like im in a plane (feel like they are going to pop).
to be honest, its the lack of smell and taste that is bothering me more than anything else.
i have been using sudafed and more recently have tried a plug in sudafed device which emits vapours into the air in the bedroom (which of course i cant smell).
will the neti help me get my smell and taste back as when i use the sudafed i get some short relief with breathing (nose seems to clear) BUT i still have no smell or taste at all?

Reply
shreekant nakhate says:

November 11, 2010 at 2:14 pm

Hi.. I was suffering from sinusitis for past 2 years. I had severe headache, drowsiness all the day,wanting to sleep all the time, loss of energy and concentration, itching of eyes and so on. These affected my studies very badly. My uncle suggested me practice JALANETI. I am practicing it daily 2 times(morning and evening) since five months. Now I am reaping the benefits of it.Now my headache has reduced. I can breathe easily,free from getting cold. I suggest all those suffering from SINUSITIS to practice JALANETI. Thanks to JALANETI:)

Reply
Robert says:

January 8, 2011 at 4:40 pm

I just have a neti pot today and have so far used it twice. Took a little bit of getting used to but generally better than I thought.

The only thing is that I’m having to blow my nose quite a bit afterwards. I’m not sure if that’s good or not.
Robert recently posted..Unexpected Information About Lung Cancer Statistics

Reply
Sahi says:

January 10, 2011 at 12:37 am

I suffer from chronic sinusitis and have been using Jala Neti for two years now. Its been great – I have stopped the daily flonase nasal steroid spray and no more weeks lost to flu every winter.
Couple of tips that I have found useful in my practice of jalaneti.
1. After neti, bend forward slightly and tilt the head sideways (once of each side) to get rid of excess water. Water will come out of the nostril opposite to the side of tilt.
2. Don’t blow your nose excessively. If you feel there is still water in the nose, just bend a tilt again after a couple of minutes. If you have to blow, do it with your mouth slightly open. This prevents excessive pressure buildup inside the ear canal, especially on days when the nose is all stuffy.
3. If the nose is too stuffed up, sometimes it is easier to use a neti bottle (like neilmed bottle), or even a bulb syringe. Can help get some kind of a flow going, just don’t squeeze it too hard.

Reply
Laura says:

July 4, 2011 at 5:08 am

I’ve had terrible sinus problems since I moved to the UK 10 years ago. Mixture of hayfever and being prone to colds. I started practicing yoga about 6 months ago and not being able to breathe properly is incredibly frustrating. Have been using the neti pot for about a month and whilst it feels clearer during every day activities, I still struggle in some of the yoga poses. Downward dog and forward bends especially. Is this something that will go away if I continue with the neti pot? I want nothing more than to be able to enjoy my practice with clear sinuses.

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chandana says:

July 30, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Dear Steve,
Your article is very well researched and done. I would like to add some more to your wisdom. “Jal-neti” or ‘neti kriya’ as it is called in India has for centuries been performed using a copper neti-pot due to its most important antibiotic effect. If you research you will know that water in olden times was always carried through copper pipes and there was never a need for chlorination!! What ancient age old wisdom! Water kept in a copper pot for 12 hrs overnight kills 97-99% E.Coli and some other bacteria. Next in line would be brass, later steel or iron and finally glass is inert while plastic actually builds up bacteria. So use a copper neti pot. You can order it from India and it will never lose colour too!! How ever, take care to wash it daily.
chandana.

Reply
manish jha says:

January 3, 2012 at 7:34 am

its good for eyes,natural glowing face,cleans the nasal as well
& lot’s of benefits of jal niti

Reply

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Neti Pot - nasal rinsing - Myprotein Forum says:

February 13, 2010 at 10:39 pm

[...] below is a decent introduction and the one pictured is the exact same as the one I've been using. The benefits of Jala Neti | Change your thoughts First time is a little strange but after that it's actually quite enjoyable once you get the salt [...]

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