Positive Effects Of Netti Nasal Washing

    These days we hear a lot about Netti Nasal cleansing for sinus health. What is Netti?
 Jala Netti is an ancient Indian method of washing and clearing  the sinuses of dirt, mucous and airborne viruses. It is inexpensive and easy to learn.
This is a great time of year to start the good habit of netti because most of the cold viruses that we pick up during late fall to spring are airborne. Experts say that the airborne virus sticks to the mucous lining of the sinus and can take nine hours to proliferate, so if we get them out on time we can lessen our chances of catching a cold and all the nasty symptoms associated with it. If you take public transit every day, work with kids, in a busy office or retail then you should do your netti nasal wash as soon as you get home.
Netti is also a good way to clear the sinuses of pollen during spring and summer therefore reducing allergy symptoms as well as headaches.
If you are frequently suffering from sinusitis then you would be smart to start practising netti daily in order to gain long term relief.

Here is how it works;
Purchase a netti pot at your local health shop, they cost any where from $10.00- $15.00, and some good quality sea salt. NOT the pink Himalayan, as it has too much sediment in it, and not table salt because it contains added iodine and chemicals to keep the salt from clumping.

In the evening before bed pour 2 cups of boiling water over 4 good pinches of sea salt into a glass container.

Next morning you can use it at room temperature or reheat your water to lukewarm  by adding a touch of boiling water or put it in the microwave for a few seconds. It should feel warm to the the touch but not hot.
 You can use distilled water as well, heating it up enough to dissolve the salt and then letting it cool.
Or dissolving the salt in a small amount of boiling water and then adding this to 2 cups of distilled water.

 Go to the sink and pour half the water into your netti pot and hold the nozzle at the flare of the right nostril and tilt your head to the left keeping the mouth open for breathing while the water enters through the right nostril and drains out the left. Then gently blow your nose and repeat this process on the left side. Blow your nose gently so not to damage the ear drums.

If your sinuses are blocked, try running a bit of water in both sides, stand up and lightly tap both sides of your sinus area with your fingers for 20 seconds and then do something else for 15-30 mins before trying again.

Occasional use use of hot tap water (to dissolve the salt, then add a bit of cold to reduce the temperature) if you are in a rush or travelling, is acceptable, but  frequent use of tap water will irritate and dry out the sensitive mucous lining of the sinuses due to the chlorine.
Keep your netti pot clean to prevent bacteria from growing in it.

Do not do netti less than 3 hours before bedtime because it takes at least that long for the water to completely drain out of the sinuses before lying down for the night, otherwise water could travel into the Eustachian tubes of the ear and cause problems. This is why it is preferable to do netti in the morning.

Netti is easy to do and it is safe if you follow these guidelines. You'll soon get used to making it part of your personal hygiene routine, enjoying the clean feeling and better health.

If you have any questions about netti  or wish to have a private instructional session please contact me and I'll be happy to assist you.


Written by
Brenda Bell
"Your wellness is my business"
www.brendabell.ca