Neti (Hatha Yoga)

A ceramic neti pot. Neti pots can also be made from glass, metal, or plastic

Neti (Sanskrit: नेति) is an important part of Hindu Shatkarma (sometimes known as Shatkriya), the yogic system of body cleansing techniques. It is intended mainly to the cleaning of the air passageways in the head. Both the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and other sources usually attribute to Neti many beneficial effects that range from profound physiological ones on the body, mind and personality to even clairvoyance. The two main variants are jala neti (जलनेति) using water and the more advanced sutra neti (सूत्रनेति) using string.

Jala neti

See also: Nasal irrigation

For this technique, sterilized and lukewarm isotonic salt water is poured into one nostril, so that it leaves through the other. The procedure is then repeated on the other side, and the nose is dried by bending forward and by rapid breathing.

It is also possible to sniff the water in so that it runs into the mouth, and to spit it out. In a more advanced reverse variant, the water is taken in through the mouth and snorted out of the nose.

Sutra neti

In sutra neti, a length of wet string or thin surgical tubing is carefully and gently inserted through the nose and into the mouth. The end is then pulled out of the mouth and while holding both ends at once the string is alternately pulled in and out of the nose and sinuses. It is used to clear the nose and also to remove nasal polyps.

Sutra neti is an advanced form of yogic nasal cleansing and requires an experienced teacher. Sensations of gagging, nausea, and weakness may occur. In case of persistent blockage after jala neti, sutra neti should only be performed after a medical consultation.

See also

• Nasal irrigation

Further reading

• Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda, Dr. David Frawley, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI ISBN 0-940985-85-3
• Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India