The experience of Kriyas (1) – Jala Neti
Aimee of AMALAwellness has used a Neti Pot for many years, here she speaks of her experiences:
– What are Kriyas & What is Jala Neti? –
Kriyas are a cleansing technique used in Hatha yoga to help clear toxins and purify the body. One of the most popular Kriyas is Jala Neti.
I have had the chance to experience a few of the Kriyas in my practice and Yoga teacher trainings. One I love doing and regularly do is Jala Neti. I practiced it a lot in Rishikesh, Northern India and still continue to practice to this day.
– How do you use a Neti Pot? –
As the diagram shows; salt water is passed through the nasal cavity, with the aid of a ‘neti pot’ or lota.
When you hold your head at a certain angle and pass salt water through one nostril with your mouth open, it passes out the other nostril.
– Sinus Relief –
Some common symptons with sinus problems include:
- Pain / Pressure / Swelling / Tenderness in the face
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nasal dripping
- Reduced smell and taste
Neti pots with a saline solution help to clear the sinus cavity and reduce these symptoms.
– What are the benefits of Jala Neti? –
Physical Benefits
It is really effective at removing mucus and dirt from the nasal passages and clearing sinuses. I had really bad sinusitis recently and practising jala neti reguarly recently has helped to clear it and my sinuses feel a million times better! Its been a good thing to practice as it can be quite dusty here, so I have been doing it regularly early morning before practice.
It definitely improves a persons ability to breathe more clearly.
Mental & Spiritual Benefits
This process helps clear and cleanse the third eye chakra (agna chakra), helping us think more clearly and aiding with stilling the mind when practicing meditation.
– Give it a go …! –
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who suffers sinus problems or asthma.
It may seem weird at first (I can remember the 1st time I did it and thought… what is this bizzareness!) but its a practice definitely worth doing. When I have showed my friends how to do it, they also enjoyed it!
What are others experiences with Kriyas? I’d love to hear from you!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Chair Based Yoga and Exercise teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com