Rina
02-12-2006 12:37 PM
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directions for nasal wash
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you'll need a few items:
a neti pot (sold in drug stores as a nasal wash container, yoga studios, online) or a sippy cup (the kind with a nostril-sized straw)
salt (preferrably sea salt)
warm water
sink or shower
your head
fill the container with 1 cup warm water and 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. of salt. the idea is to get the water salinity to match the tissues of your nose. if it tastes like your tears, it's good. hint: if you try and the water stings your nose a bit, it's probably not salty enough.
either over the sink or in the shower, tilt your head down and turn your face to one side so that you're looking at the wall. your forehead should be slightly lower than your chin and the most-open nostril should be closest to the ceiling. use the container to slowly pour the salty water into the top nostril. after rinsing-blowing that top nostril a time or two the water should eventually be able to flow out your bottom nostril. this tickles and feels pretty weird the first time, but it works. allergists are now recommending it to their patients. turn your face towards the floor and blow your nose clean. repeat on the other side.
when you're done (1/4 to 1/2 cup flushed through each side), it's a good idea to coat the insides of the nostrils with oil to protect and remoisten them. any cooking oil on a cotton swab will do. I suppose a reminder is in order: it's not necessary to stab your brain with the swab . just oil the part of your nose that's easily accessible and call it a good day.
one more word of caution: most of us on the coast have known surfers who, after getting their sinuses nicely washed in the waves, have later "drained" on themselves or others. for your first time, try this process on a day when you won't accidentally lean over an employer or client and grace them with your own personal ocean.
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