Jala Neti (nasal cleaning with water)

Preparation : As special neti lota,`neti pot' should be used. The lota may be made of plastic, pottery, brass or any other metal hitch does not contaminate the water. The nozzle on the end of the spout should fit comfortably into the nostril so that the water does not leak out. Even a teapot may be used if the tip of the spout is not too large or sharp. The water should be at body temperature and thoroughly mixed with salt in the proportion of one teaspoonful per half litre of water. The addition of salt ensures the osmotic pressure of the water is equal to that of the body fluids, thereby minimizing any irritation to the mucus membrane. If a painful or burning sensation is felt it is an indication that there is either too little or too much salt in the water.

Stage 1 : washing the nostrils

Fill the neti pot with the prepared salt water.

Stand squarely, legs apart, with the body weight evenly distributed between the feet, and lean forward. 

Close the eyes for a minute or so and relax the whole body. 

Tilt the head to one side and slightly back. 

Begin to breathe through the mouth 

Gently insert the nozzle into the uppermost nostril. 

There should be no force involved. 

The nozzle should press firmly against the side of the nostril so that no water leakage occurs. 

Tilt the neti pot in such a way that water runs into the nostril and not down The face. Adjust the body position to enable the water to pass out through the other notril. 

When half the water has passed through the nostrils, remove the nozzle from the nostril, centre the head and let the water run out of the nose. 

Tilt the head to the opposite side and repeat the process, Placing the nozzle of the lota in the other nostril. 

After completing this process the nostrils must be thoroughly dried.