Neti: The Ancient Yogic Nasal Cleansing Technique for Health & Clarity

Soham Yoga School Rishikesh, India

🕉️ What is Neti?

Neti: The Ancient Yogic Nasal Cleansing Technique for Health & Clarity. Neti is one of the six yogic purification practices (Shatkarma) described in Hatha Yoga. It is a traditional nasal cleansing technique designed to clear the sinuses, enhance breathing, and prepare the body for deeper yogic practices like pranayama and meditation.

Practiced by yogis for centuries, Neti helps purify the subtle energy channels (nadis), enabling a smoother flow of prana (life force). At Soham Yoga School, we include Neti as part of our foundational teachings in yoga and wellness courses to help students develop clarity, discipline, and vitality.

🧴 Types of Neti

1. Jala Neti (Water Neti)

This is probably the most common and easiest way to get started. One pours warm salt water into one nostril using a Neti pot letting the warm salty water flow out the other side. This approach removes pollutants, mucus, and dust from your nose that cause allergies.

2. Sutra Neti (Thread Neti)

An more sophisticated method uses a soft cotton thread or a clean rubber tube. Users stick it into one nostril and draw it across the mouth.

Sutra Neti gives a deeper nose cleaning but needs expert guidance to do .

🌿 Benefits of Neti

Neti offers several health benefits, especially for the respiratory system and mental clarity. Some of the key benefits include:

Unblocks stuffy noses and helps you breathe better
Eases sinus problems, allergies, and colds
Sharpens your mind and improves focus
Gets you ready for deeper breathing exercises and meditation
Lowers stress, headaches, and eye strain
Helps you sleep better
Boosts oxygen intake, making you feel more alive

⚠️ Contraindications of Neti

Although Neti is mostly safe, one must use it carefully. which are mentioned below

Persistent nosebleeds
Strong nasal infections
Recent nasal surgery
Consult a doctor on high blood pressure.
Migraine during attack phases
Cold water hypersensitivity; always use lukewarm saline water.
Always use clean, filtered water and appropriate salt concentration to prevent irritation.

When and how to practice neti

Ideal time: Empty stomach early in the morning
Frequency: daily during allergy season or 3–4 times a week
Post-care: Always follow with gentle breathing or Kapalabhati to dry the nasal passages.

🌸 Final Comments from Soham Yoga School

Neti is a step toward self-discipline, inner peace, and energetic balance more than simply a cleaning method. When done right and consistently, it changes your yoga practice and your breathing into a path to tranquillity.

In our TTC, retreats, and personal wellness programs at Soham Yoga School, we help students through traditional yogic kriyas including Neti.