This lovely little ceramic pot looks nice enough to use for a tea party - but probably not a nice idea! It is called a neti pot, used to cleans nasal passages and sinuses.
Neti is one of the six shatkarmas of Hatha Yoga. They are purification practices to balance the flow of prana (life force/energy) around the body.
They are fantastic - I use mine at least once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. This one is from Noseworks. They are 100% Australian made, and look lovely sitting by your bathroom sink.
Spring is a good time to start Neti, when lots of us suffer from hayfever and allergies.
Physically, neti removes mucas and pollution from the nasal passages and sinuses, allowing air to flow without obstruction. It also helps to maintain good health for the ears, eyes and throat. It can be compared to the clearing feeling of swimming in the ocean.
Neti is also calming on the face, removing muscular tension. It is said to help keep a fresh and youthful appearance!
In yoga there is always the subtle body to consider as well as the physical body. The space between the eyebrows is the third eye centre, or the chakra known as Ajna. The most important benefit of neti is that it helps to awaken this chakra. This is the clear, open feeling around this space after practicing neti.
Neti is also important to balance out the energy channels, or nadis around the body. Two of the major channels, Ida and Pingala nadi start at either nostril. Through neti we balance the right and left nostrils, which then balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
This ancient practice is actually quite pleasant, and very invigorating.
It is best to learn neti through a yoga teacher or Ayurveda consultant. However have a look here for a clip on how to use a neti pot.
