Sunday, September 7, 2008

For the love of Neti


Neti has become a trend as of late. I am certain part of it is the trend factor and the other is just that it works. But in any case neti is a kriya, or cleansing practice revered because it is a preventative measure to getting sick and alleviates sinus problems and allergies.
Neti is nasal irrigation using a saline solution. We have numerous items on the market that are similar but I feel neti is more direct. Instead of put drops or sprays of saline solution up your nose, neti is a continuous stream of salt water. The water washes away the germs that collect in your nose hairs so that they cannot grow and eventually make you sick. This also applies to allergens.
There are people who are interested but there is a fear factor involved. The idea of pouring water up your nose sounds scary to many people who would benefit from it. The beauty is in the fact that technique and a calm mind plays a big part in your neti experience. First by understanding the benefits you can approach this kriya with a calm and willing mind. Second understand that adjustments can be made to fit your needs so if not successful the first time tweeking the process a bit may lead to ultimate success. Being open also plays an important role in making neti an integral part of your life.
A good technique is vital for success. First you must have the proper tools, which is a neti pot of your own and sea salt preferably without any additives. Next is finding the right balance in terms of the amount of salt you use. I have seen variance is sizes of neti pots so giving an exact measurement is impossible. But I can say too little is uncomfortable because the salt assists in clearing out the impurities and too much salt will burn so its an issue of trial and error. The water should be warm but not hot. After the salt water is in the neti pot you can actually enjoy the benefits of jala (water) neti. Neti should be done on both sides. The arm that does the pouring should mimic the arm of a tea pot. Either over a sink or in the shower lean forward and tilt your head to the side to allow gravity to assist you in getting the water to flow from one side to the other. Make sure that you keep your mouth open since you cannot breathe through your nose while you are pouring. Once you are done pouring, a sharp exhalation through the nose will force the excess water, muscous, and germs. Sometimes this must be repeated. Follow the process again on the other side. Blow your nose gently afterwards to be certain that all the water is gone.
There are a few tricks I have learned through my own personal errors that may be helpful to you. I find that the water may go down your throat if you are not leaning forward enough or if you are already stuffy. Sometimes you can successfully do neti when you are sick or having an allergy attack but its rare. By getting into a groove with neti and making it part of your routine, like brushing your teeth, helps by leaps and bounds. If you have a nose ring or septum ring or retainer you should take it out before doing neti. It’s just uncomfortable and you might lose your nose ring because the spout is pushing in your nose. Another important thing is breathing. Your mouth is open and you will not drown. I have had close friends say they were afraid of this but as long as you keep your mouth open, breathe, and remain calm it will be a good experience. I find it relaxing, refreshing, a great start to my day or end to my night. I am sure with a little practice you will too.