Neti is used to cleanse the entire area above the chest. Classically, there are two types - jal (water) neti and vastra or sutra (string) neti. Jala neti is especially designed to clean out irritants in the nose and upper pharynx and to rehydrate and moisten the delicate goblet and ciliated cells of the nasal passageway, while sutra neti is a great stimulant of the nerves in the sinus, nose, ears, eyes and throat greatly relieving congestion and stagnant mucous conditions of the sinus, eyes, ears, throat, and head. Sutra neti being more stimulating is best done in the day time or morning.
Jala Neti
This is a simple washing of the nasal septi by slightly saline water made by adding approximately 1/4 teaspoon of pure salt to a cup of warm water. If the salt is very coarse, you might need to use as much as 1/2 teaspoon.
If this is done at an optimum ratio, not only will there be absolutely no burning in the nose, but rather on the contrary the salted water will be experienced as very soothing and pleasurable.
If the water temperature is too cold, it will contribute to congestion as the tissues in the nose swell, but if it is too hot, it will irritate the mucous membrane linings. Thus, the best temperature is between 70-100 degree Fahreneit, the closer to body temperature, the better.
Jala neti can be done in a simplified form at a basin or outdoors by simply and gently closing one nostril off by the same side index finger or thumb, slightly bending forward while tipping the cup or glass of salted water close to the edge toward
your left nostril and gently sniffing the water and some air in the nose until you feel it at the back of the throat, at which time you can spit it out. Do this three or more times per nostril.
Do not worry if you swallow some water, but make sure that you do not become over zealous and sniff it into the lungs, in which case you will cough uncomfortably.
This simplified version of jal neti can be easily done at any time with a cup or glass especially if the air is dusty or polluted, the weather and nose is dry, or there exist any irritation, inflammation, or soreness in the naso-pharangeal area.
