Jala neti

Today’s post will be about nasal irrigation using an ancient Ayurvedic technique that has been around for centuries. Jala neti is a Sanskrit term which literally translates into “nasal cleansing.” I am going to make this post as untechnical as possible to make it easier to understand.

The nose serves as our body's main filtering, warming and humidifying system. It produces a certain amount of mucus everyday, as the body's protective mechanism to trap particles such as harmful bacteria, viruses, dust, allergens and fungi. When these microorganisms or irritants get stuck on your nasal lining, it may lead to sinusitis. When there is buildup inside the nose, this lead to inflammation and inability of the nose to flush out the toxins.

Jala neti or nasal irrigation is performed to clear excess mucus and particles inside the nose by flushing the nasal cavity with saline solution. Also know as saline nasal wash (according to that GP), this remedy is used to treat any symptoms of mucus build-up in the nasal passages, caused by the common cold or chronic sinusitis or rhinosinusitis.[1] Literatures has shown that this method is safe and well tolerated with little side effects . [2, 3]

Things you need to perform Jala neti:
1. A neti pot(available in pharmacies) or you can use a syringe
2. 1/4-teaspoon measuring spoon
3. Salt
4. Lukewarm water (use filtered water in view of Malaysian tap water)
5. Small basin or sink
6. Your nose

N.B.
a. At the moment, there are no official medical guidelines on the use of neti pots but they usually come with instructions.
b. Use noniodized salt if you have iodine sensitivity (extraordinarily rare)
c. Prepared salt or saline solution may also be available in pharmacies, that means you don’t have to measure the amount of salt to mix with water.
d. Please do not buy the saline solution used for cleaning contact lenses. ;p

What’s a neti pot?
It looks something like a gravy boat, except instead of gravy you use salt water and instead of a chicken chop you use your nostril. Here’s how it looks like:

Steps:
1. Mix 1/4 tsp. salt to 2 cups (about 1/2 liter) of water to prepare an isotonic solution. (reminds me of amali kimia in secondary school where we have to write in passive form: An isotonic solution is prepared by mixing…blah blah). Isotonic means the solution prepared is supposed to roughly match the concentration of salt found in the blood thus making it non-irritating. I think it should taste like natural tears.
2.Fill the neti pot or syringe with salt solution.
3. Bend over the sink, tilt your head to the side and slightly down towards the sink. (do not tilt the head back)
4. Insert spout of neti pot into your nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril, allowing the saline solution to flow into that nostril, through the nasal passages, and out the other nostril.
5. Breathe deeply with your mouth to avoid drowning (this allows water to flow from one nostril to another without dripping into the mouth)
6. Blow your nose gently (I suggest using tissue paper)
7. Repeat process with other nostril.
8. Finally, clean all devices properly to prevent infection as you may use it over and over again.

Easy isn’t it? Jala neti has 3 stages but most people only practice stage 1 as mentioned above. If there is irritation or stinging sensation of the nose, try reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use or changing the temperature of the water.

For the lazy bums, you may try the “nasal rinse.” Steps as following:
1. Put the lukewarm saline solution in your palm of hand or in a teaspoon.
2. Plug one nostril.
3. Sniff the salt solution up.
4. Blow your nose gently into a tissue.
5. Repeat with the other nostril.

How often do you need to perform the Jala neti?
It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing rituals (wash, tone, moisturise). It may also be performed at the end of the day after exposure to a dusty or polluted environment.

Here’s a short video of the Jala neti ritual:

At the end of the video, you may want to follow and do the yoga breathing exercises, or you can just simply blow your nose more. The whole process is utterly bizarre.

In conclusion, this is a quick and inexpensive way to improve nasal health for those suffering from chronic sinusitis.

References:
1. Retrieved 31 January 2008 from World Wide Web: http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab006394.html Harvey R, Hannan SA, Badia L, Scadding G. (2007). Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

2. Papsin, B and McTavish A. (2003 Jul). "Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment". Canadian Family Physician 49: 168-73.

3. Rabago, D; Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R (2002). "Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial". Journal of Family Practice 51 (12): 1049-55. Dowden Publishing Co., Inc.

Disclaimer:
1. Nasal irrigation is not a substitute for medical treatment. Anyone with chronic inflammation of the nasal passages or other ear, nose and throat disorders should seek medical attention.
2. This blog entry (includes article and products) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
3. I am not selling Neti pots. ;p

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Little Dove