Internal Cleansing
The Wisdom of Ancient Ayurveda
Jala Neti – Cleansing the Nasal Cavities
Jala Neti and the Lota
Jala Neti is a traditional practice for cleansing the nasal cavities using an instrument called a Lota.
The spout is gently placed against one nostril and a solution of warm water and salt is allowed to flow through the nasal cavities until it comes out through the other nostril.
In the traditional practice that was passed on to me, one begins with the right nostril, gently allowing the saline solution to enter and flow out through the opposite nostril.
Jala Neti belongs to the vast heritage of purification practices of India and has been transmitted for a very long Time within Yoga and Ayurveda.
The Lota is still used today and represents one of those very simple instruments belonging to an ancient culture of daily care of the Body.
Within the face there is a complex system of nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses connected with the nose and throat.
Mucus passes through and lines these structures and, when it increases excessively, it can contribute to the sensation of a blocked nose, heaviness and difficulty breathing.
Colds and Dear Grandmother
When a cold has already developed, many of Grandmother’s old suggestions remain valid: rest, keep warm and allow the Body the Time it needs.
Jala Neti, when practised correctly, can help keep the nasal cavities clear and remove mucus, dust and allergens.
The paranasal sinuses can become areas in which mucus tends to accumulate.
When nasal breathing becomes less free, our general perception of well-being can also change.
Breathing well means, in fact, something more than the simple passage of air.
Breathing influences the way in which we perceive the Body, the mind and the space in which we live.
The Body continually sends signals.
If we learn to listen to them before they become more intense, we can often intervene in our habits with greater Awareness.
It is a little like the classic house of cards: when the balance is altered at one point, the other parts may also be affected.
A Good Habit… Once Again from Grandmother!
For many years I also associated Jala Neti with a very simple habit: drinking warm water with lemon in the morning, immediately after getting up.
During the years I spent in India, I often used one or two limes, which were much easier to find than lemons.
For me, it represented a simple way to begin the day and pay attention to the Body from the moment I woke up.
This naturally remains a personal habit of mine, not a necessary part of the practice of Jala Neti.
How to Use the Lota
The Lota is used with a warm saline solution.
The solution should feel comfortable and the salt should be well dissolved.
The spout of the Lota is gently placed against the nostril, without applying pressure.
The head should be tilted sideways just enough to allow the water to enter through one nostril and flow out through the other.
There is no need to force anything or assume extreme positions.
During the passage of the water, breathing takes place calmly through the mouth.
Once one side has been completed, the practice is repeated on the other.
It is also important to keep the Lota perfectly clean and dry after use.
A Simple Practice, but One to Be Performed with Care
Jala Neti is a very simple practice in appearance, but it must be performed correctly.
The salt concentration, temperature, cleanliness of the instrument and gentleness of the movement make the difference between a comfortable practice and an irritating experience.
In my personal Path I used it for a long time and especially appreciated the sensation of greater freedom in the nasal passages and a general feeling of freshness.
Other People who regularly practised nasal cleansing also told me of similar experiences.
Jala Neti, Body and Awareness
Jala Neti belongs to that great family of practices in which care of the Body is not completely separated from care of the mind.
The principle that has always interested me is very simple:
a Body maintained with care creates better conditions for a mind that is more present and receptive.
There is no need to turn every ancient practice into something mysterious.
Sometimes Wisdom lies precisely in the simplicity of a gesture repeated with attention.
Jala Neti is one of those gestures.
Sama
