Neti Pot Danger

Some dangers are associated with neti are given below.You can overcome these dangers by practising neti properly and Please learn neti from an experienced guy only.

Neti is in no way a dangerous practice. When properly instructed and done according to tradition, it will bestow only benefits. However, if misused or abused, at best, it will not work in the reputed way, or at worst, it can lead to minor side effects such as headaches, colds, nasal infections,ear aches.A good flushing of the nose with salt water is a good thing

Nervousness

99% of people are a bit nervous on their first attempt whether they admit to it or not. Some very much so. Their nervousness impedes their sense of hearing and understanding, as if they go into a trance, and afterwards can’t remember anything you said or did. Such people, along with those who just don’t listen because they are too busy talking to disguise their nervousness or embarrassment, often have problems performing the technique unassisted when they get home. For these reasons, ask people not to talk and chatter when you are demonstrating or instructing them. Don’t encourage them to talk by even asking “how’s that”? Remind them not to talk whilst the water is flowing through. Obviously, encouragement such as, “you’re doing well”, is good to help them relax and gain confidence. If, after the first successful attempt, they are still very nervous about it all, going through it all a second time will leave them with more confidence to attempt it alone at home.

Blockages

If water does not flow out of the outgoing nostril (after giving it about 10 seconds to do so), before concluding there is a nasal blockage, check the following:

• Check that the end of the nose cone is not pushed against the inside of the nose thereby blocking water coming out of the pot. Align the spout in a straight line with the nostril passage, and don’t push it in too hard.
• Check that the pot is tilted enough for the water to flow down towards the nose
• Check that they are not sniffing the water backwards towards the throat
• Check that the water is not leaking out of the ingoing nostril
• Check that the water is not too cold as cold water contracts the nasalpassages.

Situation 1

For some people, the water does not flow equally in both directions. This is not a problem so long as there is some water coming out. Most people have some minor nasal passage imbalance and it may take months for the two sides to flow equally. In any case, never do an uneven quantity of water in just one direction. Do half a pot right to left, then half a pot left to right. Repeating this sequence is better than doing one whole pot right to left, then taking a break to refill, and then changing sides to do a whole pot left to right.

Situation 2

For those with a complete blockage where the water will not come out of either nostril in either direction - don’t worry. It’s not because they don’t have a connecting hole or the water is going up into their brain! Most often it is just thick mucus which takes time for the warm salty water to dissolve. This is often the case with a cold. Don’t let such a situation discourage you from proceeding to try to clear such a blockage, because the benefits of persevering in such circumstances are well worth it. The best trick is this: after mixing the pot, place the nose cone into one side, breathe through the mouth, tilt the head, and wait. Wait, wait, wait. After about 20 seconds,remove the pot, straighten the head and whilst facing into the sink, blow gently out of both nostrils, flushing water and mucus out. Change sides with the pot,insert it to fill the nose with water from the other side and wait 20 seconds.Remove the pot and blow out through both nostrils. Repeat again on the first side, then repeat again on the second side. Keep changing sides, filling each side with water and blowing out until you get the first few drips coming through.When this happens, stay on that side for half a pot (it takes patience), letting the water dissolve the blockage and gradually increasing the flow. Then do half a pot from the other side. After all this, it is a good idea to do another half pot from each side to really be sure you’ve got it clear and flowing.

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Situation 3

If, after a few attempts of #2 as above, still no water will flow through at all, there may be a blockage on that day caused by a nasal problem such as inflammation or swelling. Suggest that the person comes again at a different time. In the interim, get them to watch their nostril air flow from time to time to observe whether they ever have 1 or 2 clear nostrils. If they do, it can be concluded that the blockage is not permanent. If their nasal airflow imbalance never seems to change, and if after their next attempt at neti there is still no success at getting water to flow, they must have a structural blockage (bone or cartilage obstruction). Advise them to see an ENT (ear, nose & throat) specialist for an examination to investigate the cause of the obstruction.

Nose Bleeds

It is always advisable to enquire beforehand from each new practitioner of Neti whether they have a history of nose bleeds. Often those with chronic sinus problems, who have been on cortisone medications for years, have such a history. Those who work in chemically polluted environments may have them too, as can “stress heads” and “worry warts” or those with high blood pressure. In these cases, proceed as per usual, but taking extra care that the student does not blow the nose too hard when changing sides or when drying the nose. All going well the first time, advise such people, that when at home:

• Always use the purest water and the purest salt
• Never have the water too hot nor too salty
• Never blow the nose hard when changing sides or drying
• Not to hang upside down for too long when drying
• Not to do neti more than once daily without advice
• In case of a nose bleed during or after neti, one should cut back to alternate days or stop doing neti until qualified advice has been sought. Milk Neti is a good treatment for chronic nose bleeders, but advice should be sought from a qualified person before doing it.

Water Going To The Back Of The Throat

This is fairly common on the first few attempts. In Jala Neti stage 1, the idea is not to get water to the back of the nasal passages. But in stage 2, the technique is to actually sniff the water to the back of the throat on the inhalation willfully and spit it out the mouth on exhalation. In both cases, there is no harm or danger if that happens accidentally. It is just a matter of spitting it out. If this occurs unintentionally, it can be caused by:

• Rushing, due to nervousness
• Incorrect angle of the head and/or pot
• Nose breathing whilst the water is flowing through
• Talking whilst water is flowing through
• Swallowing whilst the water is flowing through
• Sniffing backwards instead of blowing outwards when changing sides
• A heavy mucus blockage in the outgoing side causing a “damming up” effect where the water goes up and back towards the throat instead of flowing down the outgoing nostril.

To avoid any of the above, go slowly, helping with your hands to get the student’s head into the correct position before the water starts to flow out of the pot. Remind them to open their mouth and get a nice relaxed mouth breath happening before they tilt the pot for the water to come out.

Water Running Onto The Face

This is caused by either rushing or else by badly designed pots. Go slowly, step by step, to find the right angle for the pot and the head.

Headache

If this occurs during the water flow, it is most often caused by worry,tension or fear about the practice. It will go away with practise. See also “Pressure Build Up” following. If it occurs sometime after the first trial, it can be caused by not drying well enough and salty water being left to dry in the sinus passages or else blowing too hard when changing sides and drying the nose.

Ears Popping

It can happen that the ears will pop when doing Jala Neti. Some people get a fright, and are concerned that it may be something serious. It may happen when the water is flowing through and pressure in the eustachian tubes is released, or it can happen when blowing out and drying the nose. This is nothing to be concerned about.

Pressure Build Up In the Sinuses and Ears

This often occurs during the first few attempts for those people with very blocked sinuses or ear passages. They should just bear with it until the warm water dissolves and removes the excess mucus. Greater relief comes in the end. One or two pots usually clears it completely. Since Jala Neti stimulates the sinuses, an unusual sensation may be experienced in this area. This is nothing to worry about and it will pass.

Stinging In The Nose

Water too fresh

that is - not enough salt in the mixture or else the mixture is not stirred well enough and the first few seconds of water coming out the spout is in fact unsalted water. Use correct measure, in a full pot. Always taste and spit before using and stir well before irrigating.

Water too hot

Always taste and spit first to check the temperature.

Water too salty

Use correct measure, in a full pot. Taste and spit before using.

Pollutants in the water

Town water, bore water, tank water can all have various smells and tastes, some of which may sting if strong enough. Whilst recommending clean fresh water, it should not be necessary to have to boil or filter purify your Neti water every time, but if you suspect town water is polluted use a bottled or filtered supply.

Contamination in pot

Always store your neti pot upside down to avoid dust, insects, etc, getting inside. Otherwise, rinse before use. Never use toxic or aromatic solvents to clean or repair a Neti Pot.

Unusual Mental/Psychic Effects

As stated previously, the side effects of jala neti upon the pineal and pituitary glands are subtle yet none the less noticeable to most people. Some students may experience certain sensations in that area of the brain the first few times they do Jala Neti, which seem unusual. They may describe them as being like some kind of headache, pressure, tingling sensation, ringing in the head, humming sound, light headedness, dizziness, pulsing beat, inner vision, apparition, voices calling, temporary detachment from the body. None of these experiences are in any way dangerous or serious to the point of requiring cessation of Neti nor a teacher’s assistance. Most of the subtle sensations related to Ajna Chakra will pass in a short time as one becomes involved in the more gross activities of life. To further explore the stimulatory effects of Ajna Chakra, the best activities to do straight after Jala Neti are some yoga practices such as asana, pranayama and meditation. And this is what the yoga masters say, that the true purpose of cleansing techniques is really for purification of the senses and the mind for deeper meditative experience.

Recommended Frequency of Neti Practise

For general nasal cleanliness, once or twice a day is usually sufficient.Jala Neti is best practised first thing in the morning to clear out the night’s grogginess and prepare the body and mind for the day’s breathing activities.However, if you live or work in a dusty or polluted environment where the nostrils have an increased load of filtering, a good second occasion is upon returning from such work. Neti should always be done before rather than after meals. It can be done up to a maximum of 4 times a day for therapeutic applications, but only upon qualified advice. The following are the possible best times: (i) upon waking before breakfast, (ii) mid morning before lunch, (iii) evening before dinner, (iv) just before bed. In the case of a cold, 3 - 4 times day will give great relief, providing the nose is well dried each time and this frequency does not induce nose bleeds.

Limitations

• Those who suffer chronic nose bleeds should seek qualified guidance.
• Jala Neti is not contra-indicated for any particular illnesses or ailments per se, but guidance should be sought by those with high blood pressure, migraines.
• Children between ages of 2 and 7 usually need assistance.
• Do not recommend others try out the practice unassisted, or attempt to teach anyone yourself unless fully competent and confident with the technique.
• Nothing other than warm, salty water should be used by the novice.

Recommended Salts for Use in Neti pot solution

Doubt sometimes arises as to which type of salt is best for use in Jala Neti. Ideally, pure Sea Salt should be used. Below are some of the different types of salt available on the market today and their suitability for use in Jala Neti.

Cooking or Pickling Salt

This is generally nothing other than pure sea salt, but check on the packet. It can vary in coarseness. The finer the better for quick and even dissolving. If you can’t get it fine, grind your own from whatever you can buy. Store airtight to avoid lumping up. Found in supermarkets and health shops.

Table Salt

This is just finely ground cooking salt with a free flowing agent in it to stop it lumping up in your salt shaker. Who needs aluminium, silicone or iodine up their nose? Can be used for Jala Neti without any harm when cooking salt is not available, but try to avoid it if possible.

Vegetable Salt

This is a compound mixture of salts, herbs and spices, and will do your nose and olfactory senses NO GOOD AT ALL! Rock Salt. Depending on origin, rock salts have other minerals in them and are therefore not recommended for Neti. They are usually very big, hard crystals requiring a salt cellar. Nice for cooking with, but not for up your nose.

Macrobiotic Salt

Often greyish in colour. Usually just sea salt from Japan and therefore more expensive than local salt. May be used for Neti with no harm.

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