Neti and the Neti pot

First of all, you may be wondering what exactly is “neti”. In a sentence “neti” is a technique for cleansing the nasal passages.

There are various types but my favourite one is nasal irrigation or “jala neti” where you use slightly salted warm water to clear your nostrils with a tool known as a “neti pot” or “lota”. This is the technique that is most popular and what most people mean when they talk about “doing neti”.

I remember when I first tried it I wasn’t convinced and felt the water wouldn’t come out or I wouldn’t be able to breath. However, something made me persist and the water did come out and I could breath and now I can even speak (not advised for a beginner) while doing it!

Even though I don’t have sinus or allergy problems, I’ve seen the benefits especially when I have colds – they get flushed out – literally. Other benefits I’ve experienced have been when having to stay up very late to finish work. While my colleagues had coffee I did a neti around 11pm and was wide-awake and alert to work until we finished around 3am. My regular neti practice also helped me when I took an early morning flight. I did my neti practice as usual in the morning and noticed that my ears did not pop during take-off and landing.

Have you tried doing neti? Do you have any neti experiences – good or bad?

The Sanskrit word « neti » means « to guide » and refers to that which is guiding our energy through the nasal passages i.e. to cleanse them.

The neti pot (lota) is a tool specially designed for cleansing these passages and offers you a gentle way to irrigate your nose with a salt water solution. The healing power of salt has been known for centuries and some of you may have already tried using the saline sprays available in chemists to help open up your nasal passages.

The lota has been used for a long time by yoga practitioners, particularly to enhance deep breathing, but it is now being recommended by many naturopaths and doctors.

Why would you even want to irrigate your nose in the first place?

• to cleanse the sinuses and the mucous membrane of dust and allergenes, i.e. pollen
• to loosen secretions and alleviate a dry mucous membrane
• to clear out blockages, for example, during a cold, asthma, and so relieve breathing difficulties
• to increase general vitality and prevent fatigue
• to give us breathing space to deal with emotional and pyschological issues in our lives

What are the benefits of using a neti pot over other spray devices?

It is an important tool for cleansing the sinuses, increasing breathing capacity and enhancing general vitality.
It is easy and safe to use.  
It is much more pleasant to put lukewarm than cold water into your nostrils.
It’s one of the most effective forms of self-treatment given the amount of time required.
It’s ecological.