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.
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
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
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.
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.
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