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Jala neti (saline nasal rinse)

जल नेति

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: India (now also used in medicine worldwide) · Tradition: Hatha yoga / kriya. As saline rinsing it is also used in contemporary medicine · Daily habits & sleep

What it is

A method of rinsing the nasal cavity with lukewarm saline. It comes from a yoga cleansing practice and is also used today as an adjunct in allergic rhinitis and similar conditions. Hygiene of the water is extremely important.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

1. Use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Do not use tap water as it is (FDA/CDC).
2. Keep to the saline concentration and to washing and drying the vessel.
3. Stop if there is strong pain, a strong flow of water into the ear, or bleeding.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

• Allergic rhinitis
• Early signs of a cold
• Breathing

Related symptom videos

• Breathing practice

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

B: Randomised trials or systematic reviews exist, but reports are modest, the group studied is limited, or study quality is limited

Saline nasal rinsing is used as an adjunct in allergic rhinitis and similar conditions. On the other hand, unsuitable water carries a risk of a fatal amoeba infection (Naegleria). Neti as yoga and medical nasal rinsing overlap in technique.

Sources

• FDA: Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?
• CDC: How to safely rinse sinuses (Naegleria prevention)