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Nasal Irrigation




Do you suffer from allergies, chronic sinusitis, or frequent colds? Do you travel on airplanes or heat with wood? If so, then consider using a neti pot for nasal irrigation — an Ayurvedic technique for rinsing the nasal passages with salted water. Some say it should be part of our daily cleansing routine, especially if you are in a dusty or polluted environment. When congested it can be done up to four times daily. It is fast, inexpensive, and highly effective. We carry several styles of ceramic neti pots including beautiful handmade pots from Baraka as well as a non-breakable pot for traveling.

Nasal irrigation (also called nasal lavage) requires a solution of 0.9% salinity to approximate the amount of salt found in our blood. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of finely ground neti pot salt into 8 ounces of non-chlorinated, body-temperature water. Stir to dissolve. It is VERY important that the solution is the right temperature and salinity. If it is not, it will be uncomfortable. To test it, take a sip — it should feel soothing in the mouth and therefore the nose. Use 4 to 8 ounces per nostril.

THE TECHNIQUE:

1) Stand at a sink, bend forward with your chin and forehead level with the floor (facing down), then turn to face sideways.
2) Gently insert the rounded spout into the “wing” of the top nostril just enough to seal it.
3) Relax! Breath through your mouth, and slowly pour the warm saline solution into your nostril. It will pass through the lower sinus and flow out the lower nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth! (Touch the tip of the tongue to the top of the mouth if your throat is dry.) If the solution runs into your throat, your head may be tipped up — keep your forehead and chin parallel to the floor.
4) When done, exhale vigorously through BOTH nostrils to clear the nasal passages.
5) Repeat the procedure on the other side. If you are very congested, try switching back and forth several times.
6) Eliminate any remaining water from the nose by bending over and repeating quick breaths out the nose holding a tissue lightly over the nose. DO NOT close off one nostril or squeeze the nose since that can push water into the ear canals.

Hardened blockages may need to be eliminated gradually over several attempts. Try pouring just a little at a time into each nostril since tipping back and forth can help dislodge encrustations.

Of course, if you experience any pain stop immediately and consult a doctor.

FOR SINUSITIS: Try adding Neti Wash Plus which combines goldenseal, grapefruit seed extract, and other botanicals with zinc. Add one dropperful to your neti pot for sinus and immune support.

BENEFITS OF NASAL LAVAGE:

  • Relief from allergy symptoms, chronic sinusitis, and post-nasal drip.
  • Less frequent colds with quicker recovery.
  • Improved sinus health, sense of smell and taste.
  • Helps to normalize pressure in the inner ears.
  • Vision is clearer because nasal lavage helps to clean the tear ducts for improved cleaning and moistening of the eyes.
  • Helps to rehydrate nasal passages, especially useful after air travel.
  • Yogic breathing (pranayama) is enhanced.
  • Helpful for singers, actors, and others who depend on their voices.

From Evergreen’s Archive:November 2007





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