In India, lota is used for Jala Neti before pranayama practice.
Simply put, it is used to clear the nose before the breathing exercises.
In terms of health, it is very effective for people with sinusitis or a blocked nose (to relieve, in addition to measures designed to stop these symptoms).
How to prepare the lota: Jala Neti instructions
- Put a teaspoon of salt (pure Himalayan salt, for example) into the lota.
- Then fill it with water at a comfortable temperature (test it on your wrist).
- Mix well and let the salt dissolve.
- Don't forget the salt: the water alone will give you a strong burning sensation!
You will see some people add a drop of essential oil. I advise against this! Essential oils can be very dangerous and cause irreparable damage if used incorrectly.
How to use the lota correctly: instructions for using Jala Neti
Practice Jala Neti in the shower or toilet:
- Take a big inhale and hold your breath (with practice, you will be able to breathe through your mouth).
- Tilt your head sideways over the sink.
- Gently insert the Lota into your upper nostril.
- Allow the stream of water to flow into this nostril.
- The water will flow out of the other nostril without you having to do anything.
- Allow the water to flow for a few seconds.
- Remove the lota and blow very gently through your nose.
- Catch your breath and blow your nose again if necessary, but always very gently.
- Continue with the other nostril and so on.
- At the end of the practice, dry your nostrils well.
- Blow your nose properly and blow several times through your nose until no more drops come out. This will prevent you from catching a cold when you go outside.
Jala Neti is very easy to practise, but you must be careful not to hurt yourself!
Buying guide
There are several models of Lota: plastic, ceramic and copper.
The ceramic and copper models are of course more durable (although ceramic can break) and therefore more environmentally friendly.
In Ayurveda, copper has many properties, including:
- Improves cellular respiration
- Anti-infective properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant properties