Jala Neti means "water cleansing" and is one of the shat
kriyas
or "6 purification techniques" common to yoga.
Reported benefits to sinus health include:
* Reduction of allergy problems
* Easier breathing (helps with pranayama)
* Reduction of or elimination of post-nasal drip
* Reduction of or elimination of chronic sinus infections
* Common colds are either avoided or shortened
* Improved sense of smell and taste
The practice is easy and millions of people in East Asia
do it every morning much like we brush our teeth. For
people suffering from a sinus condition, repeated daily
practice as needed up to four times is recommended.
Using your Ceramic Neti Pot
Mix 12 oz. of warm water with a bit more than 1/4 teaspoon
of salt. (Personal experimentation will reveal the right temperature
and salinity for you.) Non-iodized salt is recommended. Pour half the
water in the neti pot. Tilt your head sideways above a sink and place
the tapered spout in your upper nostril. Tilt the pot so water runs into
upper nostril and out the lower. Sometimes when one side is very
congested the flow will be blocked in one or the other direction.
Repeated practice on the "good" side will often remove the blockage.
Breathing quietly, through the mouth is generally recommended
while practicing jala neti. Some practitioners also sniff a bit of water
into their sinuses and let it pass out the mouth while practicing.
Keep a tissue or handkercheif handy for blowing your nose after practice.
