The Neti Pot

I've used a neti pot daily first thing in the morning for several years now, and just love it. It is one of the ancient yogic purification practices called jalaneti, but has been adopted into modern mainstream cultures around the world because of its many benefits.

At first, the idea of using a neti pot seems a bit repulsive and some basic instincts get alarmed by the practice. But with daily use, these responses fade quickly so that using the neti pot becomes quite enjoyable.

To perform this Jala Neti, use a small ceramic (or plastic) neti pot (pictured) available at most health stores and even some pharmacies. Fill the pot with purified water. I like to just use cold water for its bracing effect, but many people prefer warm. Add to the water about 1/4-1/2 tsp. of sea salt, and stir it until it is dissolved (undissolved salt in the water will sting and is not pleasant!).

Then, you are going to pour the water from one nostril into the other; then after half the pot has been emptied, switch nostrils. After emptying the pot, gently blow out the remaining water and mucous, and then continue to exhale through the nose vigorously to dry the nasal passages.

The practice was developed originally to cleanse the orifices of the head which was known to improve meditation, attention span and concentration. On a more mundane level, neti potting relieves allergies, solves post-nasal drip, prevents colds, nose or ear infections, and acts as a general tonic to the nervous and immune systems.