Jala Neti
- Ashleigh Stewart
- Jan 22, 2020
- 2 min read
Yoga is not just about postures, that is just one limb of an eightfold path! It is also about the cleansing and purification of the body and mind in preparation for Moksha (expansion of consciousness beyond karmic patterns). The cleansing process typically takes place prior to even beginning the practice of asana (posture).
Jala Neti is one of my favorite cleansing techniques as it is something i have been doing ever since I was a child. During my childhood, and into my early years as an adult I had to deal with often debilitating sinus conditions that had me hospitalised a few times. To help handle the sinus condition, as a young child I was prescribed neti by my Dr, before I even became an actual yogi! This is why I have grown to love it so much.
Neti is a kriya, a cleansing technique in yoga, practiced with the intention of maintaining a disease-free body. It is more specifically used to help breath, so that pranayama can be practiced without any obstruction or blockages. Neti supports nasal hygiene, and uses salted water to purify and clean the nasal path nostrils to the throat.
Neti is one of the six-purification procedures or ‘Shatkarmas’ mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. The Shatkarmas, also known as Shatkriyas, are a set of Yogic purifications of the body, to prepare for the main goal of yoga towards moksha.
As you can see in the picture above of my own Neti pot, this is what you need to practice Neti
A Neti pot
A pinch of salt
Lukewarm pre-boiled water
A Neti pot is usually small and has a long spout on one side.To use the Neti pot, tilt your head sideways over the sink and place the spout of the pot in the upper nostril. Breathing through your open mouth, gently pour the saltwater into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side.
Give your nose a good blow, and don't be surprised if you feel some popping as the pressure begins to release in the ears and sinus cavities as the mucus drains away. You will feel a greater ability to breath, as well as a renewed clarity of mind as your breathing flows unhindered.
Om Namaste Ashleigh
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