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Neti - the gentle way to irrigate the nose

Why would you irrigate the nose?

Nasal irrigation with a Neti-irrigator combines Western and Eastern medicine.

“Neti” means to cleanse the nasal passageway of the breathing system. The healing power of salt in dealing with diseases of the breathing system has been known for centuries. The mucous membrane of the nose has an important function of the immune system. It fights off infections and foreign bodies. When nasal secretion is too viscous, too solidified or too watery, then it is impossible for the mucous membrane to transport the invading particles and microorganisms effectively. Bacteria and viruses can then find an easier entrance, multiply themselves and eventually create infections. The irrigation of the nose dissolves bothering blockages, as during a cold, and relieves difficult breathing. The mucous membrane will be stimulated and strenghtened by regular irrigation. Unnecessary secretion will be washed away. This will support the natural immune system function of the mucous membrane. The delicate connecting channels between the nose and the sinuses will be kept open. This diminishes the tendency for painful inflammations.

….a present for health and wellbeing

Nasal irrigation cleanses the mucous membrane of dust and allergenes, i.e. pollen. The irrigation of the nose, especially for allergic people, is an excellent tool to reduce the strain of allergenes and to strenghten the natural response of the immune system. For some occupational positions, i.e. carpenter, who is suffering of pollution from dust, the irrigation of the nose would be especially efficient to reduce the intrusion of dust-polluted air. Nasal irrigation loosens secretion and helps with a dry mucous membrane. Especially, from exposure to heated and air conditioned rooms or by changing climates you are proned to get dry membranes. The normal secretion is disturbed and the susceptibility for infections rises.The irrigation of the nose is a responsible way to support your health Daily use can become as natural as brushing your teeth. You can actively work for the stability of your health and wellbeing. The irrigation relieves the difficulty of breathing at work and in your leisure time. Free and easy breahing increases vitality and prevents fatique.

How to use it:

Take lukewarm water and salt it slightly with an iodine-free, finegrained cooking salt without additives. If you prefer, you can also use sea salt. You want a physiological solution of 0,9% salt. The salt should be fully dissolved in the water. This means you need 9 g salt for 1 liter of water. However, the individual appropiate amount of salt can vary between a pinch and a teaspoon per filling for the irrigator. You’ll find out yourself which amount of salt will be right for you by using the irrigator. Too much or too little salt can irritate the mucous membrane of the nose. If this happens, try a different amount of salt.

Seven steps:

1. 1. Fill the irrigator with lukewarm, slightly salted water.
2. 2. If possible find out which nostril allows easier breathing.
3. 3. Put the spout of the irrigator into this nostril.
4. 4. Bend your head a little forward and then to the side. Open your mouth and tilt the irrigator until the water is flowing out of the bottom nostril. Breathe calmly and relaxed through the mouth….the water will flow easily out through the nostril.
5. 5. After the irrigation straighten up your head and breathe through out both nostrils out. Have a paper towel next to you to blow your nose to catch the remaining fluids and secretion.
6. 6. Repeat the irrigation with the others nostril. Bend your head forward and then to the side. Follow up as described in 5.
7. 7. After you are done with both nostrils, bend your head again forwards and then to the left and to the right, so that remaining fluids can escape. When this does not help, put your hands on your knees to support yourself and let your head hang down and turn it to the left and to the right.

After some practice you will find the irrigation pleasant. You can do it daily. Inss times of concentrated pollen in the air or while having a cold or sinusitis, you can even use it several times a day. In that way the nose will be cleansed from unnescessary and sticky secretion. The salt in the water makes the mucous membrane less swollen and supports its function as part of the immune system. Keep your irrigator always clean and remove possible layerssss of calcium or dirt with the help of vinegar. However, when you have severely damaged sinuses, or you have an acute situation of inflammation, or after surgeries in that area, please ask your doctor for advice.

The daily irrigation with the neti-irrigator has proved to be helpful with:-

• frequent colds
• stuffed or running noses
• a tendency for getting inflamed sinuses and front sinus
• a tendency for having inflammations of the upper breathing system ( sore throat, bronchitis, anginas)
• hayfever or other allergic reactions of the upper breathing system
• work in dusty or dirty environments or in air-conditioned rooms
• dry mucous membranes

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