Jala Neti

For this practice a special vessel called a neti lota is used (see diagram). If not available, use a teapot.
Fill the vessel with pure lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold, but at blood temperature, suitable for pouring into the nose.
Add about one teaspoon of salt per half liter of water, making sure it is completely dissolved.

Insert the spout gently into the left nostril.
Slowly tilt the head to the right, so that water runs into the left nostril.
The mouth should be open so that you can breathe through the mouth instead of the nose.
The water should flow in through the left nostril and out through the right nostril.
This will happen automatically, providing the position of the lota and the angle of the head are correct and the respiration is through the open mouth.
Allow the water to flow freely through the nostrils for about 20 seconds.
Then remove the lota and clean the nose by blowing with some vigor but not too much force! Do not blow so hard that injury results.
Repeat the same process but tilt the head to the left and pour water into the right nostril.

Now the nose must be completely cleaned and dried in the following manner:
Stand erect with feet together.
Clasp hands behind the back.
Bend forward from the waist until the head is upside down.
Remain in this position for 30 seconds.
This will allow all the water to drain from the nose.
While in this position, blow vigorously through the nose 5 times.
Then stand erect again.
Close one of the nostrils by gently pressing the side.
Breathe in and out vigorously 30 times in quick succession, emphasizing the exhalation to expel the maximum amount of moisture.
Repeat the same process with the other nostril.
Then with both nostrils open.
If water still remains, repeat the drying process until the nose is completely dry.

At the first attempt, a slight burning sensation may be felt when water passes through the nostrils. This is only due to the mucus membranes being unaccustomed to contact with water.
After performing Jala Neti a few times, this sensation will not occur.
The eyes may also become a little red at first but this will not occur after a short time.
Those people who have a structural blockage in the nose and are not able to pass water freely through the nostrils should do sutra neti.

The water should only pass through the nose.
If any water enters the throat or mouth, it is an indication that the position of the head is incorrect.
Adjust the head until the water flows only through the nose.
Make sure the nose is properly dried after doing Jala Neti, otherwise, the nasal passages may become irritated and manifest symptoms of a cold.
Do not blow the nose too hard.

Persons suffering from chronic hemorrhage in the nose should not do Jala Neti without expert advice.

Removes all the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from the nasal passages.
Aids in relieving colds and sinusitis, together with various disorders of the ears, eyes, throat, such as myopia, certain types of deafness, tonsillitis, inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.
Has a cooling and soothing influence on the brain and is beneficial for hysteria, epilepsy, temper-tantrums, migraine, and depression.
Gives a general feeling of lightness and freshness in the head and removes drowsiness.
Helps awaken ajna chakra by stimulating the olfactory bulb above the sinuses.