This is simplest kind of Neti. Take a cup of water (cold or luke warm)*. Put some salt according to taste and hold it in front of the nose so that the nostrils dip into the water. Then gently inhale the water and it will very easily pass through the nasal canal and come into the mouth. If the first attempt is not successful, the second or the third attempt if done with a strong will must carry the water into the mouth. The first two three draughts of water must be expelled through the mouth and then the water may either let pass into the stomach or thrown out as liked. The quantity of water that we thus suck may be gradually increased up to half a litre.
This process besides cleansing the nasal canal has the following benefits:-
- This process loosens the clogged up mucous in the air-passage which works as nasal obstruction to free movement of air.
- It stimulates the tiny nerves and the tender mucous membrane in the nostrils, and the many fold and narrow passage of the nasal surface that warm the air as it passes over them.
- It aids in supplying the necessary moisture to the mucous membrane which is so useful in catching dust. Thus the filtration of the air is greatly improved and the breathing becomes easy, natural and health giving.
- It cools the brain and also the air in the sinuses and consequently one begins to feel fresh.
- It removes the defects of vision caused by overstraining the eyes.
- It makes the tender nasal passage proof against the irritation caused by external elements which causes hay-fever and watery catarrh.
- If practiced with cold water, the nasal cavities become cold-proof and hardened and even the cold wintry winds will no longer seem irritant and cold producing.
This kind of ‘Jalaneti’ is popular even among Western Natural Therapeutics and Dr. Lindlahr, an authority upon the subject, has placed this above all preventive methods in hygiene and has therefore included it in his daily regimen. He remarks that, “Water sniffing is an excellent means for cleansing the nasal passage of all obstructions. It is the best treatment for catarrh and a splendid natural stimulant to the membranes and nerve endings in the nasal passages. Through the stimulation of these nerve endings it has a tonic effect upon the brain and the nervous system.”
The Ayurvedic system of hygiene has also appreciated this process. Such eulogizing remarks as follows are often found in its text books:**
One who drinks water through the nasal path, having got up in the morning everyday, becomes intelligent, hawk-eyed: and free from wrinkles, grey hair and all kinds of diseases.
This process is, however, advised to be practiced with cold water in summer and with luke warm water in winter or according to the nature of the sadhaka (practitioner).
*It should be very clean drinking water.
** Yogaratnakar: Ratricharya Verse 52.