Ayurveda Neti Pot

 

 

 

 

Neti is the simple ancient Ayurveda procedure mainly used for nasal irrigation and cleansing of the nasal membranes and sinuses, as well as providing with general oral hygiene. Neti is the Sanskrit word for Nasal cleansing. This is one of the essential Ayurveda healing nasal therapies (the other one being Nasya).

What is Neti Pot

Neti pot is simply the container used to administer the saline water through the nasal passage which cleans the nose and sinuses with salt water. Mainly a Neti pot is a little jug or kettle in shape with a spout. You simply pour the salt solution from the Neti pot into one nostril and it drains out the other nostril. This effectively cleanses as well as protects the nasal passages from catching infections or microbes.

 Neti Kriya Yoga

In Hatha yoga , Neti Kriya is considered to be a part of ‘Shatkarmas’ which are regarded as the basic 6 techniques that are essential for body cleansing. Although, yoga describes the process of Neti to be performed either by using water (Jala Neti) or using a string of cloth (Sutra Neti).

 

How to Use Neti Pot

The technique of using the Neti pot is easy and can be taken up by you as per your convenience. You may follow these easy steps and use it every day for your health gains. You can purchase a simple Neti pot for yourself that is clean and hygienic. Fill this with saline water solution. The saline water solution can also be easily prepared by adding approx. half teaspoon of salt in about one glass of slightly warm or tap water. Now pour this saline water solution into the Neti pot.
Standing straight, bend forward and turn your head to one side and start to gently pour the saline water from the Neti pot through the nostril. You can see the water coming out as a stream from the other nostril smoothly and gently. After some time repeat the procedure of Neti from the other side.
After this process of nasal flush from both the sides, you need to gently blow through the nostrils so that any remaining saline solution in the nasal passage is thrown out into the sink.

Dr Talavane Krishna, Founder of Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre, recommends that the saline water may also be taken into the mouth from the nasal passage and removed from there. According to him, by this process the saline water that goes into the naso-pharynx at the back of your nose cleanses the bacteria which cause foul smell or the malady of halitosis.

 

Ayurveda Neti for Dosha Healing

Although Ayurveda recommends the use of Neti pot for nasal cleansing as well as for health and wellbeing for all dosha types viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha types; yet Neti is considered vital for the Kapha types with increased phlegm in their body system. This is because the problems of nasal congestion and sinusitis mainly affect the Kapha type individuals due to the inbuilt dominance of water and earth within them. Therefore, regular use of Neti proves a boon for them for cleansing up the excess mucous in the nasal passage.
Neti Nasal Cleanse

Neti nasal cleanse is the process by which the nasal and sinus fluids flow into the water and get flushed out from the body with the use of Neti Pot. It helps to soothe the nasal passages and rinse away dust and other irritants, thus providing with thorough Neti nasal cleanse.


Who Should Use Neti Pot?

Anyone can be using Neti pot for gaining good health, yet it is highly recommended for people with nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, frequent colds, sinus headaches or sinusitis and with more phlegm production. Ayurveda counsels the use of Neti pot especially for the Kapha types having aggravated phlegm in their upper body mainly the chest, ears, nose, throat and head region.

 

Health Benefits of Neti

Since ancient times, Neti has been part and parcel of Indian lifestyle. This has been considered to be highly significant for nasal cleansing, and also promotes overall holistic health and longevity. Neti provides with effective and long lasting benefits of cleansing the nasal mucous as well as sinus rinsing. It also shows promising results in the ailments of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and upper respiratory infections.

Precautions with Neti Pot Usage

Although the use of Neti pot is easy and beneficial, it is always better to take care when using the same for nasal irrigation. It is better to perform the procedure once daily, and better not to over-do it. The main precaution that may be needed in using the Neti pot is to clean and completely dry the same after using it every time. It is also advisable that the water that is being used in the process is completely clean and germ free. In case you could come across some dust particles in the water, it is better to either filter the water through some muslin cloth, or even better would be to boil and cool it prior to use.

 

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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