Patients suffering from sinusitis or allergic rhinitis often come to me for a cure. Unbearable headaches and respiratory woes wreak havoc in their daily routine.
And in most cases, the best natural way of treatment is the yogic practice of Jalaneti. I have taught it to many patients in the past 20 years. And most of them reported remarkable recovery.
Jalaneti offers permanent relief from seasonal strife.
The flu season is reaching its peak and most clinics are locked down. Hence, I thought of sharing the knowledge in a blog.
We are socially distanced but digitally connected!
I hope it helps!
Jalaneti – An age-old Ayurvedic therapy
It is a very popular age-old Ayurvedic technique for treating respiratory issues. Though it is a new wave in the Western world, its origin traces back to thousands of years. Our ancestors have used this natural nasal cleansing technique for millennia. However, we lost this amazing technique in the folds of time.
Jala in Sanskrit means ‘water’ and neti means ‘guide’. Thus, Jalaneti translates to guiding water through the nasal passage.
It is a traditional practice that clears the nose and unblocks sinus passages. Ayurvedic doctors recommend this for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and mental clarity. It also aids in better health in general.
This simple practice shows significant results in respiratory disorders. It is particularly beneficial for patients with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Further, it is effective in relieving recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.
However, Jalaneti needs meticulous execution.
Things you need
- Firstly, you will need a neti pot
- Secondly, take some Warm Water
- Thirdly, you need to arrange Sea Salt
- Fourthly, you may take Baking Soda
In this procedure, we use a neti pot. You need it to pour water through the nasal opening. It is a special equipment available in most Ayurvedic shops or online stores.
You also need pure and warm distilled water in this process. Water is the medium for cleaning the impurities, so it must be clean. Also, it should be warmer than room temperature.
The salt used in this process is fine particles of sea salt. It quickly dissolves in warm water. If sea salt is not available then you may also use regular salt. I usually recommend my patients to maintain a ratio of 1 tablespoon of salt to 500 ml of filtered lukewarm water.
The exact proportion of salt and water is not mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. However, the ratio of salt to water needs to be meticulously checked. It should be isotonic. That means similar to the tonicity of human blood plasma.
Initially, saltwater might cause irritation in some patients. In such cases, I recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to the saline water. Once you get comfortable with saltwater, you can skip the baking soda.
10 steps to perform Jalaneti at home
- It is a simple process to be performed meticulously.
- You can do it in a sitting or standing position.
- Fill a Neti pot with lukewarm salted water.
- Tilt your head sideways and insert a spout( nozzle) in the nose.
- Pour the saline water, open your mouth and breathe through it slowly.
- Let the water flow in through one nostril and out through the other.
- Breathe out of your mouth and not your nose.
- This process cleanses the nasal and sinus passages.
- Practice the same on the other nostril.
- Exhale forcefully from both the nostrils to get all the water out of the nostrils.
8 Benefits of Jalaneti
Jalaneti has many therapeutic effects. Western studies on Jalaneti have confirmed that nasal irrigation can prevent mucus buildup. It can clear nasal obstruction and congestion.
This process helps in ridding sinuses of allergens, irritants, and contaminants. The procedure improves mucus transport. Aids in removing dried mucus and crusting. Relieves nasal dryness, allergies, and sinus symptoms.
According to Ayurveda, this yogic practice refreshes the brain, face, ears, eyes, and nose. It improves mental clarity and aids in relieving allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and headaches.
1. Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is suspected when mucous membranes become permanently thickened from prolonged infection. Jalaneti is very effective in curing sinusitis. It cures ailments of the nose, throat, and eyes.
2. Cough and cold
Jalaneti is very helpful in preventing cough and cold. It resists allergic sneezing.
3. Headache
Everyday practice of Jalaneti helps minimize chronic headaches and migraine.
4. Insomnia
Jalaneti is one of the most effective yoga practices to cure insomnia effectively.
5. Drowsiness
Nasal cleansing yoga helps reduce the symptoms of drowsiness, and regular practice can even help with getting rid of it.
6. Ageing
Jalaneti helps in improving hair health. It prevents untimely hair loss, greying and other hair conditions.
7. Eye diseases
Jalaneti treats many eye-related problems. It helps in soothing soreness and dimness. In this age of computers and gadgets, everyone should practice Jalanati.
8. Ear Health
Regular practice of Jalaneti helps in curing ear diseases and infections. Hence, it is a great practice for people of all ages to keep their ears clean and clear!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jala Neti, and how does it benefit our health?
Jala Neti is an ancient yogic practice that involves rinsing the nasal passages with warm saline water using a Neti pot. It offers numerous health benefits by clearing the sinuses, improving nasal breathing, reducing allergies, preventing infections, and promoting overall respiratory health.
How does Jala Neti help in relieving nasal congestion?
Jala Neti relieves nasal congestion by flushing out excess mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages. The warm saline solution thins the mucus and moisturizes the nasal tissues, making breathing easier and alleviating congestion.
Can Jala Neti help with sinusitis and sinus infections?
Yes, Jala Neti is beneficial for sinusitis and sinus infections. It reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and aids in healing by cleansing the sinuses and removing trapped mucus and bacteria. Regular practice can also help prevent recurrent infections.
Is Jala Neti effective for managing allergies?
Absolutely. Jala Neti is a natural and effective way to manage allergies. It removes allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander from the nasal passages, reducing allergic reactions and providing relief from common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Can Jala Neti improve breathing and enhance respiratory health?
Yes, Jala Neti improves breathing and enhances respiratory health. Clearing the nasal passages and improving airflow, optimizes oxygen intake, reduces breathing difficulties, and promotes healthy lung function.
Does Jala Neti have any benefits for mental health?
Jala Neti indirectly benefits mental health. Its rhythmic and meditative nature calms the mind, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of well-being. It is often incorporated as part of a holistic self-care routine to support overall mental and emotional balance.
Can Jala Neti be helpful for those with frequent headaches or migraines?
Yes, Jala Neti can provide relief for individuals experiencing frequent headaches or migraines. Clearing the nasal passages and reducing congestion, alleviates sinus-related headaches and may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines triggered by nasal congestion.
Is Jala Neti safe for children and older adults?
Jala Neti can be safe for children and older adults when performed correctly and under proper guidance. However, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing Jala Neti to young children or individuals with specific medical conditions to ensure its suitability.
How often should one practice Jala Neti to reap its benefits?
The frequency of Jala Neti’s practice varies depending on individual needs and preferences. For general maintenance and preventive benefits, practicing Jala Neti two to three times a week is often sufficient. However, during times of congestion or allergies, daily practice may be beneficial. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust the frequency accordingly.
Are there any precautions or contraindications to keep in mind while practicing Jala Neti?
While Jala Neti is generally safe, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. It is essential to use sterilized water and a properly cleaned Neti pot to avoid contamination. Individuals with chronic ear infections, severe nasal congestion, or nasal structural abnormalities should consult with a healthcare professional before practicing Jala Neti. Learning the correct technique from a qualified instructor is crucial for safe and effective practice.
Research: Jalaneti in Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a common seasonal sickness caused by inhaled allergens like dust, mite, mould, pollen, etc. It results in nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sneezing, stuffy nose, and eye itching.
Ayurveda and modern research suggest Jalaneti tackle allergic rhinitis. It clears out allergens and offers anti-inflammatory effects. Jalaneti also increases blood circulation and the functional efficiency of the nasal mucosa.
I have taught it to many patients who have benefitted from this practice. It is a safe practice that can be opted by anyone including children above 5 years.
Research: Jalaneti pot for sinusitis
The Western world is delving deep into the efficacies and safety of Jalaneti after discovering its miraculous working. And several types of research concluded that Jalaneti is beneficial to post-operative sinus patients. They further agreed that it works amazingly in the prevention of sinusitis and allergy symptoms.
Recent studies advocated Jalaneti as part of your daily routine. This can improve sinus health and reduce the severity of sinus symptoms. It further improves overall wellness.
Research: Jalaneti for mental health
Another study looked into the efficacy of Jalaneti as a therapeutic tool for mental health.
It revealed the regular practice of Jalaneti boosts mental clarity. It relieves stress, reduces anxiety, and calms depression. This practice also has a corrective effect on psychological disorders.
Furthermore, it showed remarkable improvement in mentally retarded children. But further research is needed to evaluate the potency of this practice.
Research: Jalaneti for sleep
Jalaneti shows promising results in controlling severe snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The studies conducted on this subject revealed that daily practice of Jalaneti can significantly improve sleep quality.
Precautions while practicing Jalaneti
- First, Jalaneti is a guided yogic practice that requires special attention.
- Secondly, avoid breathing too hard while performing these processes.
- Thirdly, the proportion of salt to water should be checked cautiously.
- Most importantly, use clean drinking water to avoid infection.
- If the water does not drain immediately, tilt your head. Because retention of saline water can cause irritation.
- Also, owing to its salinity, it may cause mild ear pain or eye irritation.
- After the procedure, try bhastrika or kapalabhati to clear both nostrils.
Side Effects of Jalaneti
Because of the salt Jalaneti might cause a burning sensation and irritation to the nasal lining. It may also be caused by incorrect water temperature. Further, retention of saline water in the nasal passages or sinuses may also cause irritation. So, it’s very important to practice it in the right way!
Conclusion
The review and research of Jalaneti prove its efficacy in sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This simple procedure also endows many other benefits that ensure general wellness. Hence, people must know these simple techniques to enjoy good health.
For best results perform JalaNeti once in the morning daily.
In conclusion, we need to bring back these indigenous tips for better health.
11 comments
Doctor thanks for very useful information
you are welcome
thanks for reinforcing the technique. You had taught me this some 10 years. I practise this in winter. I shall again take out the NetiPot! Always good and need-of-hour advises from Dr sir.
that’s nice to hear. thank you
Thank you Doctor for very useful info. The nasal oil that you prescribed is very effective (using after steam inhaling) – can I still use jalaneti?
not now. once the course completes.
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