JALA NETI FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SINUSITIS

Abstract

Satkarmas consist of six groups of purification practices. Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati - these are said to be the six purificatory processes. Astakarmas are cakri, nauli, dhauti, neti, basti, gajakarani, trotana  and kapalabhati. The aim of the satkarmas is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows, ida and pingala, thereby attaining physical and mental purification and balance. These are also used to balance the three doshas or humours in the body: kapha, mucus; pitta, bile; and vata, wind. According to both ayurveda and hatha yoga, an imbalance of the dosas will result in illness. These practices are also used before pranayama and other higher yoga practices in order to purify the toxins from the body and to ensure safe and successful progress along the spiritual  path. Neti is a process of cleansing and purifying the nasal passages. Practices included in this category are: jala neti and sutra neti. Jala Neti is nasal cleansing with water. Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Common symptoms of sinus infections include: runny nose, stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip), sore throat, cough and bad breath. Two stages of Jala neti are washing the nostrils and drying the nostrils. The aim of Jal Neti is to purify and clean the entire upper respiratory passage right from the nostrils to the throat using water. Regular practice of Jal Neti helps to establish the correct working environment of temperature and humidity in the nose. It is a kind of “moisturizer” for “dry noses”. Jal Neti rinses out the dirt and bacteria filled mucous lining as the warm water loosens and dissolves any internal build ups, and takes those outwards.