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Vidya Malavade is a vocal Ayurveda enthusiast, and recently, opened up about practising Jal Neti, aka nasal irrigation with warm salt water — “a part of the shatkarma yogic kriyas”.
Documenting her experience on social media, the actor detailed the process and benefits associated with jal neti:
“I have been doing jal neti for a year, and I feel my skin feels more radiant. I don’t fall ill very often. So it’s definitely boosted my immunity, too. It also helps keep the sinuses, nasal tract, and throat free from infection, hence keeping the eyes free from congestion and strain, and improving vision. It eradicates any type of bacteria and dirt that is trapped in the nostrils with mucus,” the Mismatched actor shared, adding that she does this practice about 2-3 times a week.
“PREP – Mix 2 teaspoons of sea salt or rock salt ( not iodised salt ) into 2 cups of purified warm water. This ratio is important so as not to irritate the sensitive nasal tissues. The temperature of the water is warm, almost like the temperature of our blood!
Aftercare: After jalneti, #kapalabhati kriya (each nostril separately + both together too .. & a light massage ) MUST be performed – as shown in the video to drain the sinuses or it can give a headache,” she captioned her Instagram video.
Malavade also urged those who already have a cold, cough, sinusitis, or have undergone a recent ear or nose surgery to skip the practice. “Avoid drinking water or eating anything till about half an hour after you have done jal neti,” she said.
Hailing its benefits for an asthmatic patient, she mentioned that it will cleanse the breathing passage, giving them an easier way to breathe. “Your concentration levels can also improve if you perform jal neti early morning. Beginners do this only under the guidance of a trained yoga teacher,” she said.
Anadi Sharma, yoga trainer and alternative healer, shared that ‘Jal Neti’ is one of those age-old practices that seems too simple to matter — rinsing your nose with warm salty water using a little pot called a neti. In yogic traditions, Jal Neti was once part of a deeper spiritual routine. These days, it’s showing up in modern wellness for what it is: a gentle, drug-free way to breathe a little easier.
“It helps clear out dust, mucus, and allergens in a polluted city. In yoga, it’s seen as more than physical. A way to clear energetic pathways before breathwork or meditation,” said Sharma, adding that it is an important and helpful practice for people living in dusty, polluted environments, anyone with sinus issues, congestion, or allergies, for voice-heavy professionals like singers, teachers, speakers, and for yoga practitioners who want a clearer headspace.
…you’ve had recent nasal surgery, experience frequent nosebleeds, or have a deviated septum. “Make sure to always use clean water, boiled, cooled, distilled, or bottled, add a bit of salt (one-fourth tablespoon of non-iodized salt per cup)- and don’t force it if your nose is completely blocked,” advised Sharma. Talk to a doctor first. And make sure kids should not do it unless supervised properly, he added.