Dinacharya Series: How to Practice Jala Neti

Dinacharya Series: How to Practice Jala Neti

In this video, I am going to be showing you how to perform the Dinacharya practice of Jala Neti or nasal cleansing using a Neti Pot.

Jala Neti is the practice of cleaning the nasal passages with a warm, saline solution. Jala Neti keeps the nose and sinus system clean and clear. Physically, it helps prevent bacteria and viruses from staying in the sinuses. It keeps the sinus system cleared of any mucous and allows freer breathing. According to Ayurveda, it is said to prevent colds, flu, sinus infection, sinus headaches, post nasal drip, ear infections and allergies. Mentally, it clears the mind and allows for more focus and concentration. Spiritually, it enhances the intake of Prana at the pranic intake center located behind the third-eye, the space between your eyebrows which is also the location of the ajna chakra.

To practice Jala Neti, begin by boiling 4 ounces of water and putting in 1-2 pinches of neti salt. Swirl it around to dissolve the salt. Wait for the water to cool to a baby bottle temperature before practicing Jala Neti. Test the water on the inside of your arm to make sure that it isn’t too hot before beginning your Jala Neti practice. Once the water is cooled to a lukewarm temperature, place the neti pot spout to the right nostril. Relax your jaw. Bend at the waist until the upper body is just below horizontal. Tilt your head to the left to allow the water to flow gently through the right nostril and out the left nostril. Carefully tilt your head back to the right and stand upright. Gently blow the nose and repeat on the left side. Place the neti pot spout to the left nostril. Relax your jaw. Bend at the waist until the upper body is just below horizontal. Tilt your head to the right to allow the water to flow gently through the left nostril and out the right nostril. Carefully tilt your head back to the left and stand upright. Gently blow the nose to complete the practice.

Jala Neti takes some getting used to, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the hang of it right away. Additionally at first there might be some discomfort when you practice Jala Neti. The most common discomforts are that:

• The water doesn’t flow through the nostrils easily. To remedy this try slightly varying the angle forward and the angle sideways, to get the water to eventually flow freely

• Another common discomfort is that the water seems to sting. If you notice this when you practice Jala Neti, try adding a little more salt to your boiled water. This may seem counterintuitive, but you are trying to match your own personal salinity.

• The last common discomfort people experience when practicing Jala Neti is that the water seems to get stuck somewhere in the sinus system. If this happens to you, it is possible that there are blockages in the system. You may even notice that your nose will run for a few minutes after this practice.

Now press play on the video and follow along as you are led through the Ayurvedic Dinacharya practice of Jala Neti or nasal cleansing.

Music by Fried Coffee.