Hatha Yoga: The Yoga of the Physical Body.

Equipment.

• 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.

Technique.

• 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.

Drying the Nose.

• 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.

General Advice.

• 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.

Frequency.

• Daily in the mornings, or more often for a cold.

Precautions.

• 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.

Limitations.

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

Benefits.

• 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.