Neti: The Ayurvedic Nasal Cleansing

What is Neti?

In Ayurveda, a nasal cleansing is referred to, which can be performed regularly. The practice is a part of Hatha Yoga and is meant to harmonize the body and balance the three doshas again.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, especially an elevated Kapha dosha can lead to mucus build-up, which then settles in typical Kapha regions like the head and chest area. Neti is intended to dissolve this mucus so that we feel completely free and relieved again.

Two Types of Ayurvedic Nasal Cleansing

Neti has been used in ancient India for many years as a method to cleanse the nasal passages. There are several different ways to practice Neti, but in Ayurveda, the nasal cleansing is usually done with oil or water . Other possibilities include the use of milk (Dughda Neti) or ghee (Ghrita Neti).

The two most well-known methods are certainly Sutra Neti, the cleansing with a cotton thread, and Jala Neti, the rinsing with water. Now let's take a closer look at these two practices.

Sutra Neti: Nasal Cleansing with a Cotton Thread

For this nasal cleansing, a soft rubber catheter or a waxed cotton string approximately 30 cm long is inserted through one nostril and then pulled out through the mouth.

After the thread is gently pulled back and forth a few times, the other nostril is addressed. Admittedly, the practice sounds a bit strange at first.

In fact, it feels pleasantly massaging and stimulates the reflex zones in the nose.

For this reason, it is said to be particularly beneficial for people with breathing problems or narrowed nostrils!

However, a bit of practice is needed before this technique is mastered. Those who have never tried it before should not attempt Sutra Neti on their own.

If you still want to give it a try, you should definitely do so under the watchful eye of a qualified yoga teacher. Only when you are a bit more practiced should you attempt it on your own.

Jala Neti: Nasal Rinse with Saltwater

In Jala Neti, the nose is flushed with an isotonic saline solution using a Neti Pot. The Neti Pot or Neti Kettle looks a bit like Aladdin's magic lamp and has a long spout.

The whole thing works as follows: With the kettle, water is poured into one nostril and can then simply flow out through the mouth. This thoroughly flushes the nasal passages and opens the airways. It's no wonder that the Jala Neti nasal rinse has a permanent place in many Ayurvedic morning rituals!

Here too, a little experimentation is required until the water flows as it should. However, unlike Sutra Neti, this technique can be used by laypeople without any problems . Here's how it's done.

Ayurvedic Nasal Cleaning: Instructions for Beginners

Do you want to clear your sinuses and improve your well-being? Why not try Jala Neti! All you need is a Neti Pot, which should ideally be made of ceramic, metal, or non-toxic plastic and is available in health food stores or pharmacies. You can easily make the saline solution yourself by mixing a teaspoon of sea salt or iodine-free salt with half a liter of warm water until it dissolves.

Then you can get started:

1. Lean over a sink and tilt your head slightly.

2. Now insert the spout of the kettle into one nostril and pour the water in. Open your mouth and let the water flow out again.

3. Breathe calmly through your mouth while doing so. With a little practice, you'll quickly find the right position to hold your head to allow the water to flow optimally.

4. When the pot is half empty, tilt your head to the other side and switch nostrils. When the pot is completely empty, blow your nose thoroughly again to remove all traces of water. Now your nose is pleasantly free again!

If you like, you can incorporate this practice into your Ayurvedic morning routine and perform it daily before breakfast and morning yoga. Ideally, you should do it on an empty stomach. If your nose feels a little dry from the saltwater, you can apply a small amount of ghee to the mucous membranes with your finger afterward.

Tip: Does the water burn in your nose? Then it is most likely too cold, too little in quantity, or has too much salt.

Are you still not quite ready? No problem, as an introduction you can alternatively try drawing some cold water from a cupped hand up your nose. Once you get used to the feeling, you can later try Jala Neti. Be brave!

What Jala Neti Can Do

After a soothing morning shower, we immediately feel much better – and the same goes for our nose! Neti is a natural and gentle cleansing of the sinuses.

Unrefined salt is said to be particularly beneficial for the mucous membranes and respiratory tract and is therefore excellent for nasal rinsing. In this way, a nasal rinse gently frees the body from toxins and mucus.

However, the rinse is beneficial for all sensory organs in the head and strengthens the eyes, nose, and ears. Even the mind is said to benefit. Indian yoga teachings suggest that clear breathing also leads to clear thinking.

The freer the nose, the better the thinking and meditation function accordingly. But that's not all Jala Neti is supposed to do, as it has even more positive effects:

Cleanses the forehead chakra and relieves headaches

Migraines and headaches may be a sign of a disturbed forehead chakra. With the help of Jala Neti, the forehead chakra is stimulated, which Calms the head and relieves stress. Even with facial tension, anxiety, depression, and anger, Neti can be calming. The head feels lighter afterward and one can start the new day with fresh courage.

Prevents colds and respiratory diseases

With the help of Jala Neti, relief from colds and respiratory diseases is sought, or at least some relief is provided. It is said to have a positive effect on sinusitis and inflammations of the ears, eyes, and throat.

Those who suffer from asthma or hay fever can also benefit because pollen, dust, and bacteria are easily washed away.

Refreshes the mind

Neti is also said to dispel fatigue and enhance concentration. The mind becomes clearer again and the third eye chakra can flow freely again. This not only leads to an alert mind but also strengthens intuitive abilities again.

When should Neti not be performed?

In general, Neti is not dangerous and can be performed every morning. However, there are certain conditions under which it should be avoided. For example, those who suffer from chronic nosebleeds or serious problems in the throat, nose, and ear area should refrain from doing so. After injuries or surgeries in the facial and especially nasal area , nasal rinsing should also be avoided initially. For safety, we recommend clarifying with a doctor whether nasal irrigation is a good idea in your case.

Free your nose from impurities and clear your body and mind with Neti, the Ayurvedic nasal rinse! Take the time to try it out calmly and benefit from its cleansing effect. Once you get used to it, you will notice that you feel much freer and cleaner after a morning nasal rinse! In this spirit: Have fun trying it out!

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