Jala neti, nasal rinse with salt water
Lukewarm salt water through the nose, with a neti pot: a cleansing technique from yoga and Ayurveda for a blocked nose.
Traditional use
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Makes
- 1 rinse
Jala neti (nasal cleansing with water) is one of the cleansing techniques of hatha yoga. Lukewarm, sterile salt water goes into one nostril and runs out of the other. What was done in India with a small spouted jug is now sold in every pharmacy as a neti pot or nasal douche.
Ingredients
- 500 ml water that has boiled for 5 minutes and cooled to lukewarm (or distilled water)
- 4.5 g salt without iodine (a level teaspoon)
- A neti pot or nasal douche
Step by step
- Dissolve the salt in the lukewarm water and fill the pot.
- Lean forward over the sink and tilt your head to one side.
- Put the spout in the upper nostril, breathe through your mouth and let half the water run gently through your nose.
- Turn your head to the other side and do the same.
- Blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time.
Tips
- If your nose is completely blocked, do not rinse: the water has nowhere to go.