There are two types of Neti: Jala Neti and Sutra Neti.

Jala Neti

Neti with Salt Water

Technique:

• Fill the specially made vessel, the Neti Pot, with warm, salty water. The temperature of the water should be 38-40° C, with about 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 litre of water*. Bend the head over a wash basin and gently insert the spout of the Neti Pot into the right nostril (which as a result, closes it). Bend the head slightly forward and at the same time tilt the head to the left so that the water may flow out of the left nostril. Breathing takes place through the opened mouth. Pour approximately half the contents of the pot through the right nostril.

• Now gently insert the spout of the Neti Pot into the left nostril and tilt the head to the right, so that the water may flow out through the right nostril. When finished, blow out all remaining water from both nostrils using the technique of Kapala Bhati Pranayama (see Hatha Yoga Kriyas 5).

• To complete the purification of the nose, strongly expel the breath a further 3-5 times through each nostril while holding the other nostril shut (as when blowing your nose). It is important that the mouth remains open during this process to prevent water getting into the ears.

It is recommended that Neti be performed daily.

Benefits:
Has a positive influence on all sense organs in the head. Strengthens vision and relieves tired eyes (e.g. after working long hours at the computer). Neti can also be helpful in relieving headaches. Memory and concentration are improved. It is also beneficial for problems associated with the nasal and sinus cavities. Neti has a preventative effect against head colds and sinusitis. With regular use, Neti can also cure or at least ease hay fever and pollen allergies.

Caution:
Do not practice if you have a severe cold or are suffering from earache.

Sutra Neti

Neti with a Rubber Catheter or Waxed Cotton

This type of Neti is performed with a rolled string of cotton which has previously been dipped in melted bees wax, or a soft rubber catheter. The correct performance of this technique needs some practice and, therefore, for the first time it should only be practiced under the guidance of a Yoga teacher from “Yoga in Daily Life”.

Just as with Jala Neti, Sutra Neti also produces a thorough cleansing of the nose. The massaging effect of the catheter works even more intensively than rinsing with salt water.

This technique is very helpful for people with respiratory problems or narrow nostrils. With proper practice it can be performed every second day, or also daily.