Nasal Cleansing
Neti
Written and reviewed by The Kriya Yogi · Updated 20 September 2026
Source · HYP 2.29 — Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter Two — Shatkarma and Pranayama
Washing the nasal passages with warm salt water or a soft thread.
The yogic view
One of the six cleansing acts, neti is described as clearing the passages of the head, sharpening the senses and removing disorders above the throat. It is preparatory: the text places it before pranayama because breath work through a blocked nose is pointless.
What research shows
Saline nasal irrigation is one of the best-evidenced practices in this whole tradition. Controlled trials support it for chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, reducing symptoms and medication use. Water must be sterile, distilled or previously boiled — serious infections have followed the use of untreated tap water.
How to practise
- Dissolve about a quarter teaspoon of non-iodised salt in 250ml of lukewarm distilled or boiled-and-cooled water.
- Fill a neti pot and lean forward over a sink, turning the head to one side.
- Place the spout in the upper nostril and let the water flow through and out of the lower one, breathing through the mouth.
- Use half the water, then repeat on the other side.
- Blow the nose gently, then dry the passages with a few rounds of soft breathing.
For seated or floor-based work, use a clean, stable surface. Our natural cork yoga mat offers a grounded 5 mm surface for regular practice.
Contraindications
Never use untreated tap water. Avoid with recent nasal or ear surgery, frequent nosebleeds, or a fully blocked nose. Stop if there is ear pain. Blow gently, never hard.
Related practices
Educational content, not medical advice. Check with a doctor before starting new practices if you have a health condition or are pregnant.