Neti Nasal Cleansing

The practice of "neti" (also referred to as "jala neti") has been a part of the culture of India for centuries, but it has become part of the health maintenance routine of people throughout the world. According to eHealthMD, sinus-related problems affect approximately 37 million Americans, resulting in at least 13 million physician visits every year. Neti nasal cleansing is a soothing, purification treatment that is performed with a "neti pot" to keep the sinuses clean and clear of irritants.

Neti Pot

• A neti pot is a small container, filled with warm salt water, which can be used as an irrigation tool to rinse the nasal passages. Although normal boiled tap water combined with salt can be used in the neti pot, premixed saline solutions are also available at your local or online pharmacy or in health food stores.

The Neti Process

• Ordinarily, the mucus and tiny hairs that line your nose capture tiny bacteria particles as well as dirt, and the mucus carries them away when you expel it by blowing your nose. Unfortunately, it is often impossible to completely rid your nose of these irritants with a simple tissue. In many cases, allergens and pollutants that have entered your nose will remain there, trapped in the mucus lining, sometimes making you sick. But when you use a neti pot, the warm salt water runs through your sinus cavity and thoroughly washes away these impurities.

Nasal Cleansing

• The neti nasal cleansing procedure is performed by using the neti pot to pour the saltwater solution into one of your nostrils as your head is tilted to the side, allowing it to flow over the inner bridge of your nose and out the other nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth and not your nose. Switch to the other nostril, and repeat.

  JalaNetiPot.com suggests that this technique must be mastered to complete the neti irrigation properly. It will take practice, but eventually you will be able to perform the procedure without allowing any of the fluid to flow backward or down your throat.

Practice Makes Perfect

• When neti nasal cleansing is performed the first several times, you may notice a burning sensation (like when you get water up your nose), and you will usually be able to taste the salted water. Fortunately, practice makes perfect, and once you have mastered the method, you will no longer feel these sensations. Instead, you will not feel or taste anything at all. In fact, when neti is done correctly, the warmth of the salt water traveling through your sinus cavity is virtually undetectable.

Precautions

• According to Neil Med Pharmaceuticals, a neti pot should never be used if you have an inner ear infection or your sinuses are totally blocked by congestion. Be sure to check the temperature of the water before you begin the irrigation. Salt water that is too hot will burn, and you may require medical attention. Neti nasal cleansing should be performed no less than 1 hour before bedtime to reduce the risk of swallowing any saline solution remaining in your nose.