Spring Cleaning for Your Nose
(Page 2 of 4)
May/June 2005
By Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
Doing the Neti Dance
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The usual solution used in neti pots, called isotonic, is close to the salinity of human tissues. Use 1/2 teaspoon salt for each cup of warm water. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest you may use many types of natural medicines in the neti water, including gentle decocted and strained herbal teas, such as gotu kola (use herbal teas under the advice of a qualified practitioner, as some herbs can be irritating). Or add a teaspoon of anti-inflammatory ghee (clarified butter) to the liquid and stir to dissolve. Commercial herbal liquids for neti pots are also available at health-food stores or from websites (see “Resources”).
To rinse your sinuses, bend forward over the sink with the neti pot in your right hand. Tilt your head to the left and insert the pot’s spout into the right nostril, sealing it. Tip up the pot slightly. Breathe smoothly through your mouth. The water should flow gently into the right nostril, out of the left nostril and into the sink. Experiment with the tilt of your head to avoid having the water soak your pajamas! Gently blow your nose when you’re finished.
At the halfway point, switch sides. The routine looks and feels a little odd, but it is simple and painless. Use the nasal rinse daily, just like brushing your teeth. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend rinsing once daily when you’re well. If you’re congested, you can rinse more often — up to several times daily, as desired.
As an alternative to the traditional neti pot, modern devices include various electrical machines that adjust the water pressure. A WaterPik special rubber attachment is available. Some modern procedures recommend using Locke-Ringer’s solution (containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, dextrose and water), which may be a little easier on the health of the nasal hairs.