Two Neti Kriyas Every Yogi Should ‘Nose’

Let me guess.

Even with a daily practice you still feel something is missing. You’ve made the changes to your diet and sleep patterns but yet your energy levels continue to rise and fall like the ocean.

What gives? You need to bring some yogic cleansing techniques into your practice. Here’s two neti kriyas to remove blocks in the nasal passage leaving you energised and refreshed.

What Are Kriyas?

Meaning ‘completed action’ in Sanskrit, Kriyas are ancient Ayurvedic techniques which help cleanse or purify the body. Various kriyas are meant to unlock the chakras or enable subtle or direct changes in the body.

Introducing Kriyas into your yoga practice will aide in improving energy levels, reducing common ailments and illnesses and bring vitality to your life.

Jal Neti

To purify the nasal passage areas, yogis used the Jal Neti technique to remove blockages such as dirt, bacteria and mucous trapped in the nostrils.. By doing so, they clear the way for their pranayama or breathing practices.

Considered a form of nasal hygiene, Jal Neti utilises a neti pot - which looks a bit like a tea pot - warm water and salt.

Just like when you take a soothing bath or shower, Jal Neti’s cleansing effects can calm the nervous system and bring clarity of mind. Thus, improving your meditation or asana practice.

Sutra Neti

Using a lengthy string made of honey wax or a rubber tubing, Sutra Neti is a process of inserting the thread into the nostrils gently and pull it out through the mouth.

This Kriya dislodges mucous and bacteria from the nasal passage. By cleansing the sinuses one is able to prevent migraines, headaches, or any blockages in the nose which leads to a healthy respiratory system.

Jal and Sutra Neti are one of the six methods of purification or Shatkarmas given in the yogic text Hatha Yoga Pradeepika and will clear the way for your morning Ashtanga practice.

See you on the mat.