Nasal Irrigation

Nasal Irrigation is an ancient hygiene practice which is used on regular basis in Asia region. The origination of this personal hygiene method can be found in Sam Veda, a holy script of Hindus and later in yoga practice which is famous world wide today. Yoga practice which has originated from India and then later introduced to whole world lays stress on practicing nasal Irrigation also known as Jala Neti. Jala Neti is a Sanskrit word which literally means water cleansing of nasal cavity with help of warm saline water. Today it is practiced in every part of world and become popular for its enormous benefits.

Nasal Irrigation is a combination of two basic therapies – the saline irrigation and nasal flush therapy. It addresses the patients having history of chronic sinusitis which includes headache, facial pain, cough, watery discharge (anterior rhinorrhea). It is also effective on nasal congestion. This practice is extensively used to prevent dryness, nosebleeds, cold, stuffiness and other allergies related with nasal passage.

Instruments Used For Nasal Irrigation
Nasal Irrigation has got a great tradition. Since ancient ages, Hindu saints, the very first promoters and practitioners use a specific shaped small vessel called Neti Pot. Nothing has changed since. Still today nasal irrigation is principally carried out with the help of Neti Pot. These pots are made up of ceramic clay, metal, plastic, or fiber. Now a day, there are other alternatives available in the market. These alternative irrigators include hand squeezed nasal irrigator, ear wash bulbs, power pump, and attachments for water picks. Readymade isotonic solutions are also available.

Isotonic solution
The media required for cleansing operation of nasal passage is known as isotonic solution. It can be prepared at home or available pre-mixed in the market. To make a required saline solution, take a cup of Luke warm water and mix half teaspoon of non-iodized salt in it. While making the preparation a care should be taken regarding temperature of the made solution as the mucus membrane inside nasal cavity is very sensitive to the temperature, pH and salinity. So the required isotonic solution should match with the above mentioned properties of blood. Again a small amount of baking soda may be added to lessen the burning sensation of mucosa.

Nasal Irrigation and Its Technique
Nasal Irrigation is quite a routine process which is carried out daily. Persons suffering from Nasal Congestion or Sinus problems can perform this process 4 to 5 times in a day. In fact, nasal irrigation is further classified into three gradual steps, although many people practice only first step.
First stage: Each stage required 250 ml solution per nostril. A Person has to stand over a sink, leaning and tilting his head to side and in forward direction with a degree of 45. He has to place the spout in the upper nostril so that isotonic solution will flow from upper nostril to lower nostril covering the nasal passage. While doing this he has to breathe via mouth. Repeat the same procedure for other nostril. If because of some obstructions water gets blocked, then repeat the process for several times to get the nasal passage clear. The remaining solution in nasal cavity should be blown off gently and with help of tissue it should be drenched.
Second Stage: Only after completion of first stage successfully a person can try for the second stage. It washes the deepest parts of nasal cavity to get clear the major obstructions. It involves lightly sniffing of water through each nostril. A personal guidance of expert practitioner is must as this stage is comparatively difficult than the first one. This step gives much more desirable results in cases like chronic infections of sinus.
Third Stage: If both the stages have been completed successfully with ease then one can turn to stage three as it involves taking the solution through mouth and throwing out through nostrils.

Benefits
Nasal Irrigation if performed regularly has immense benefits to offer.
1. It improves the breathing process.
2. It reduces disorders related with Nasal Allergy.
3. It can fully eliminate watery nasal discharge.
4. Proponents of this therapy claim that it eliminates the risk of chronic sinus infections.
5. It can prevent common colds and sinus health gets improved generally.
6. It enhances Pranayam, the yogic breathing practice which itself has array of benefits.

Besides this Nasal Irrigation offers additional advantages
1. As it clears the nasal passage more relaxed and deeper breathing is possible.
2. A sense of odor and tastes gets improved.
3. It also clean the tear ducts of the eyes which moist the eyes regularly. So the vision gets clearer.

This is a great, easy, inexpensive life style to follow. Eradicate your breathing problems and lead a healthy life!