Sutra & Jal Neti
Sutra Neti is the method of nasal cleansing in yoga. Sutra Neti, which is also referred to as kriya or yoga cleaning, is done with the help of a long piece of cord made out of cotton or rubber. The thread is inserted through one nostril and taken out from the mouth. Sutra Neti aids in dislodging harmful dust or dirt from the mucous membranes of the nostrils Many diseases of the nose and the upper respiratory system can be done away with the help of regular use of Jal Neti and Sutra Neti.
The aim of Sutra Neti and Jal Neti is to clean the nasal passage and to remove any irritants that might be present there. There are numerous benefits associated with both these processes. Sutra neti and jalneti have been known to help reduce allergies and allergic responses of the body. As the nasal passage gets cleared out, the benefit is improved respiration. The sinus cavities are also often clogged with fluid which gets removed when one practices Neti. Common problems such as nasal polyps could be removed by this method. It is recommended that the kriya be performed early in the morning about the same time as one brushes their teeth etc.
The ear, nose and throat are all connected internally with each other. Sutra neti and jalneti help with this interconnected system. People have often reported improved hearing and a reduced feeling of heaviness in their heads. As the eyes are also present in the head, a removal of sinus fluids may help with pain in the eyes. Circulation to the eyes also improves when using such methods of yoga.
Jal Neti is a technique that was used by yogis to stay disease-free, and most importantly to use the breath well for their yogic practices without any blockages. Just how brushing the teeth is dental hygiene, the practice of Jal Neti is nasal hygiene. This technique uses water to purify and clean the nasal path, right from the nostrils to the throat. Jala neti is a traditional Ayurvedic and Yogic practice that clears the nose and sinus passages through nasal irrigation by guiding water through the nasal passages. Sea salt is dissolved into warm, pure water in a neti pot, a tool specifically designed for this purpose. The head is tilted forward and to the side and the solution is poured into one nostril and allowed to pour out the other, thereby clearing the nasal passages and sinuses of excess mucous, toxins and debris along the way.
In Ayurveda, we treat each of the five senses in order to bring about balance. The sense of smell is an important way in which we absorb aspects of our environment. The practice of jala neti keeps this vital passageway clear, better enabling us to fully experience our world through this sense. Jala neti is a very beneficial technique that can provide relief from sinus problems, allergies, asthma, colds, and headaches, among other things. When done regularly, it can even clear up chronic sinusitis and rhinitus. Jala neti is not only beneficial for upper respiratory health and balancing the nervous system, but it is also a healthy practice for mental well-being, increasing clarity of mind. Neti allows for fuller, freer breathing, which increases the amount of prana, or vital life energy, that we absorb.
Incorporating a regular neti practice helps promote higher states of awareness via its ability to stimulate the pituitary gland. This will help activate the ajna chakra, or the third eye. Through developing the ajna chakra we are better able to see the unity of creation. Jala neti has such profound and wonderful benefits to our physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual well-being that it should well become a part of one’s daily morning routine.
Nasya therapy is one of the Panchakarma procedures used in treating the diseases situated above the shoulder. Nasya is useful in clearing the nasal cavity, removing mucus and instances of blocked nose, infections, and congestion. This procedure is also effective in controlling migraine headaches and sinusitis. This process calms the nerves, reducing stress, nervousness, and anxiety, as well as promotes good sleep. Almond oil, sesame oil , mustard oil, olive oil , shadbindu oil or anu oil may be used to perform nasya.
The person lies down on the therapy table in the supine position with head tilted back with neck support. One can even do it while lying on the bed. Use a dropper to drop 2-3 drops of oil in each nostril and inhale deeply. Repeat if required. This lubricates the nasal passage and the eustachian tubes. Nasya is best done immediately after neti. This form of treatment is tailor-made for diseases related to ENT and Eye ailments.