My first 10 years in Oklahoma were spent living on a cattle ranch with a 30-acre hay meadow directly outside my front door. Idyllic? Indeed. But each summer when the hay was cut, misery followed. I was snotty and sneezing and popping Claritin like Tic-Tacs.
Until one day I was introduced to a life changer – and money saver. Enter the Neti Pot!
The classical texts of yoga (check out the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita) expose us to the kriyas, purification practices that are undertaken to maintain a clean, healthy body-temple. They range from simple, non-invasive breathing techniques such as Kapalabhati which purifies the lungs and brain, to the more up-close-and-personal practices of Dhauti for cleaning the intestines, and Basti for cleaning the colon.
In the middle of this spectrum is the practice of Jal Neti. Proponents of yoga and Ayurveda have been embracing nasal irrigation for centuries and not only for its physical attributes. It’s no secret our nasal passages are the body’s first line of defense for weeding out pollution, pollen, dust, excess mucus, irritants, and chemical crud that might otherwise end up in our respiratory system.
But Neti also functions as a valuable tool for energetically balancing the right and left hemispheres of the brain – think lunar/solar or yin/yang – and increasing our levels of awareness. The sinuses are viewed as the doorway to consciousness. Indeed one of our primary pranic channels lies between the eyes, just above the nose. Keeping this area cleared and nourished is of utmost importance for anyone exploring the deeper yogic practices of pranayama and meditation. The ability to breathe deeply without obstructions enhances our vital energy, balances our prana, and fosters a clear, radiant mind.
Herbs and oils can be utilized with nasal washing, but I recommend simply sticking with water and non-iodized, pharmaceutical grade salt to begin. Your Neti Pot will come with detailed instructions (helpful hint: use it in the shower for less mess). And no, a nasal spray simply won’t provide the same benefits – they’re aggressive and forceful on the delicate membranes, while the Neti pot yields a much more nourishing experience.
I’ve fully embraced my inner Okie. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years and am happy to report that my body has responded well to the practice of neti (and nasya) – I’ve been ‘Claritin-free since 2003’. 😉
