When i try to do jala neti, it always triggers me to sneeze. How do i prevent that?

Question

I am beginner. Whenever I try to do jala neti, I sneezes. Is there any way to prevent this?

Answer 1

Always remember the following while doing jala neti, then you should not feel to sneeze or uncomfortable:

1. The water should be appropriately luke warm. Many ask about how much warm should be the water. You can ensure this by putting the warm water on the back of your hand. If it is bearable, it is ready for use in jala neti, else not. Sensation on the back of the hand will enable you to judge to use the warm water or not.
2. The salt should also be appropriately mixed in the water. Again this quantity can be judged by putting some drops of the salty neti water on the tongue. If it appeals your tongue, you can use it, else dilute it or add more salt as per the requirement.
3. Keep your mouth open and breath through the mouth during jala neti. Remember you should breath through your mouth and not through the nostrils while irrigating your nostrils with water. Else, you will feel discomfort and sneeze.

Inspite of the above instructions, some beginners still feel discomfort or sneezing which fades out with the continue practice. If you do not have existing respiratory disorder, the slight discomfort can be tolerated as the benefits associated with the jala neti are more.