What is a Neti Pot?
A Neti Pot is a small pot with spout designed to enable efficient and easy cleansing of your nasal passages with a saline solution. A practical size should hold around 400ml or more of water to cleanse both nasal passages. Commonly used in India and other parts of Asia, they traditionally were made from metals such as copper and silver, or clay. Modern designs are normally made of copper, stainless steel or ceramic.
Using a Neti Pot for nasal cleansing is a traditional part of the Yoga system and also the daily routine prescribed by Ayurveda.
Why would I want to use a Neti pot?
In the West, people’s initial reaction to the idea of nasal rinsing is often to pull a face, think “yuk”, “why”…”will it hurt?”…and “where does the water go..?!”….however the technique is simple and painless, and there are many benefits from regularly rinsing the nasal passages with lukewarm salty water.
To get the maximum benefits you do need to practice “Jalaneti” (ie nasal rinsing with saline water) daily…..and making it part of your morning and/or evening routine will only take a few extra minutes.
- rinsing at the end of the day will gently remove dust, pollen and other accumulated debris…of benefit if you suffer hayever, or work in a dusty or polluted environment.
- warm salty water dissolves mucus buildup, helping to drain the sinus cavities (hence the pharmaceutical equivalent of nasal sprays or drops, often recommended by GPs when you have a “blocked nose”). This benefits those suffering sinusitis and colds, and by helping to keep the nose mucus free, will help avoid mouth breathing, which dries the throat and can irritate conditions such as asthma and other upper respiratory complaints.
- for people working in air conditioned environments, it can help ease dry, crusty nasal passages also!
- If you practice yoga, meditation, pranayama, then free flowing breathing through the nose will make your practice more enjoyable and effective.
- you may find your sense of smell is improved, and eyes feel clearer or “brighter” after continued use.
How to use a Neti-Pot in Nasal wash?
Before starting, the pot should be filled with luke warm (tepid – body temperature) filtered or boiled water and around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of unrefined salt (ie an unprocessed salt without iodine or anti-caking agents). The water temperature should be such that you don’t notice the water passing through your nasal passage – it will feel uncomfortable if too hot or cold. Do NOT use tap water as there could be a small risk of infection.
Stand bending forward over a sink and put the neti pot in the right hand. Tilt the head to the left, and insert the apex of the pot spout against the right nostril, sealing it. Breathing gently through your mouth, which should be slightly open, the water should slowly flow into the right nostril and out of the left nostril. You may find you need to experiment a little with the tilt of your head to avoid water running down your chin!
After half the pot (around 200ml) has been used, repeat this process from the other nostril. You may need to gently blow your nostrils before rinsing the other side.
After rinsing both nostrils, perform kapal bhati (nasal cleansing through breathing).
To perform kapal bhati, stand bending forward, close the left nostril with the help of middle and ring finger and gently blow the right nostril. Then close right nostril with the right hand and blow your left nostril. In this way repeat the process 11 times each side. It is meant to be performed quickly going from side to side blowing the nostrils gently each time. Then wash your nostrils with warm water, wash your eyes and face.
If you do not thoroughly clear the water from your nasal passages you will find it may come out when you stand upright.
Cleansing practices in the Yoga system have utilised the neti pot for nasal cleansing for thousands of years. This process should ideally be practiced in the morning and/or evening on an empty stomach.
Watch our short video to see Raman Das performing Jalaneti:
IMPORTANT! Cleaning and Maintenance of your Yatan Neti Pot
Thoroughly wash the pot before and after each use. It is particularly important to rinse your neti pot well after use, to completely remove any salt residue, then dry it with a cloth.
It is also a good idea to leave your neti pot upside down when not in use, to ensure no water/salt residue collects at the base of the spout. Click here to buy online Neti Pot Now
Watch our short video to see how to clean and care for your Yatan Neti Pot:
Click Image to Buy Neti Pot Kit at $57.75
Disclaimer: Please note that if you suffer any chronic ear, nose, throat problems such as sinusitis symptoms (sinus infection) you should seek medical advice. Nasal rinsing should not be considered a substitution for medical assessment and treatment.