Jalaneti application in acute rhino sinusitis

Abstract

Neti is among one of the 6 purificatory measures of yoga, which are practiced by yoga sadhaka for inner purification. Jalaneti (saline nasal lavage) is a simplified version of Neti, which utilizes saline water instead of cotton thread to clean the nasal passage. Nasya of Ayurvedic therapy is a generic term for all nasal applications having therapeutic activities. Jalaneti is of common practice to most yoga and nature cure units, however its scientific validation has not been attempted through controlled studies and case reports. Saline nasal irrigation has been promoted as an adjunct to the conventional therapy for common cold and sinusitis in many western countries. The indigenous technique used in Jalaneti seems to be more appropriate and cost effective for the patients of sinusitis as is seen in the case study, where Jalaneti was utilized as the sole therapy to treat the acute sinusitis. A remarkable recovery was observed within a 10-day period of twice a day Jalaneti therapy and the results were consistent till a follow up after 6 month.