Nasal Irrigation or Jal Neti hasbeen around for ages, and is an essential part of the yogicpractice.

Saline nasal irrigation is apopular home remedy to relieve conditions such as allergies, coldsand mild sinus infections. It is great to fight haze/pollutionrelated respiratory issues too !!

Neti removes all the dirt andbacteria filled mucus from within the nose. It also helps todrain the sinus cavities. This in turn, will help to reprogrammethe bodyu2019s natural mechanisms against nasal infections such ashayfever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratorycomplaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip,inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.
 

It is beneficial for illnessessuch as asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouthbreathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus. It has a cooling andsoothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and istherefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, tempertantrums, hysteria, depression and general mentaltension.

Neti is of great benefit for problems associated with the eyes. Ithelps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision and gives asparkle to the eyes. It can be beneficial for certain types of eardisorders such as middle ear infections, glue ear, tinitis. Netiimproves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restorelost sense of smell, and thereby benefits the relationship withtaste and the digestive processes.

It has subtle effects on thepineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system. Thishas a harmonising effect on emotional behaviour. Neti affects thepsychic centre known as Ajna Chakra which helps in awakening higherstates of meditation. It helps to stimulate better powers ofvisualisation and concentration and gives a feeling of lightnessand clarity to the mind.

Neti is excellent for those tryingto give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouthbreathing, Neti re-sensitises the nose to the actual pollution ofingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physicaland psychological addiction.

u00b7         Usedistilled or boiled and cooled water

u00b7         Fillthe pot with lukewarm water that is either distilled or boiled andcooled. Be careful about the temperature, it should NOT be cold,just lukewarm

u00b7         Dropa pinch or two of sea salt or Himalayan salt into the pot and stirit. You could taste a drop u2013 it should taste like your teardrops

u00b7         Tiltyour head to the left side and hold the spout to the right nostril.Open your mouth and breathe through your mouth. The water willstart flowing out from the left nostril.  Blow your noseto remove all the water.

u00b7         Repeaton the other side.

u00b7         Ifyou have a blocked nose, it may take some time, but the lukewarmwater will help to clear your nose.

It may feel funny or difficult atfirst to do this, but soon you will master the technique and reapits benefits