Nasal irrigation: this is how the Ayurvedic technique works

If you regularly reach for your nasal douche kit, it’s probably for good reason. After all, this Ayurvedic medicinal technique isn’t exactly something you’d do for fun. It works by using a funnel system to transport salt water into one nostril so it runs out of the other. The intention is to remove any pollen, germs and dirt from the nose, thus clearing the airways. It certainly takes practice and a bit of effort.

Neti pots – clearing the nose Ayurveda-style

Exponents of Ayurvedic medicine may not have rinsed their noses with a plastic funnel thousands of years ago. However, cleaning the nasal mucous membrane with a saline fluid is something that was used early on to look after the upper respiratory tract and treat infections. They originally used seawater to rinse the nose until the practice expanded about 500 years ago to include the «neti pot»: a ceramic pot filled with salt water. This meant you no longer needed to snort the water and instead it could flow gently through the nose.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that this practice arrived in Europe and was met with much approval from mainstream medicine. That’s because rinsing with salt water serves several purposes at once. For one, it clears dirt particles from the nose. And all the while, the salt has an antibacterial effect on any germs, allergens and viruses – and it loosens thick mucus.

Nasal irrigation for sinus inflammation

Chronic inflammation of the sinus cavities, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, affects approximately 5% of adults in Switzerland (site in German). Symptoms include the nose being permanently blocked, difficulty with airflow and unpleasant pressure in the nasal area, which causes discomfort. Those affected are often on the lookout for more sustainable alternatives to the likes of nasal sprays (which should only be used for seven days).
Saline nasal rinses can help reduce inflammation, improve mucus flow and reduce the need for other types of medication. A number of studies have shown that nasal irrigation using a saline solution effectively improves the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. However, a study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology indicates that daily saline nasal irrigation isn’t recommended over the long-term as it can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the nasal cavity and cause other complications.

Nose + Throat health

Emser Nasal rinsing salt

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Nose + Throat health

Emser Nasal rinsing salt

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Researchers in the US suggest in their study on Covid-positive, high-risk patients for the Ear, Nose & Throat Journal that rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation can reduce symptom severity in high-risk, Covid outpatients. According to the authors: «Nasal irrigation showed promise to reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection in high-risk patients when initiated within 24 hours of a positive test.» However, they say that further research is required to determine how long nasal irrigation should be continued.

Overall, saline nasal irrigation can have beneficial effects for certain health issues, but it’s important to implement this practice appropriately and under doctor supervision.

Nose + Throat health

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Nose + Throat health

Emser Nasal shower + nasal rinsing salt

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Nasal irrigation: tips for at home use

One thing’s for sure: the Ayurvedic practice of nasal irrigation certainly has positive effects on upper respiratory tract infections. If you feel healthy and have no difficulty breathing, you don’t need to do nasal irrigation. But if you want to try nasal rinsing the next time there are a lot of colds going around, here are some tips for using a nasal douche:

1. Have the right salt concentration for nasal irrigation

Salt can relieve symptoms of inflammation and is antibacterial. But if the concentration in the water is too high, it can irritate your nose. That’s why Mösges and Achilles recommend a 2% – 3.5% salt concentration, which roughly corresponds to the salt content in the human body.

A lot of manufacturers include a measuring spoon with the nasal douche kit so you get the right dose. If you want to make your own saline solution at home, dissolve 4.5 grammes of salt in half a litre of water and use this in your neti pot. That way you avoid irritating the mucous membranes.

However, you need to be careful because even too little salt can cause irritation. This is due to the osmotic difference between salt content in the body and the rinsing fluid.

2. Be cautious of additives and using a neti pot after an operation

Ideally, you’d use salt without additives, such as iodine and fluoride. If you’re unsure, you can get pre-prepared saline solutions for nasal irrigation from any pharmacy.

If you don’t have any health issues, there’s no problem using tap water in your neti pot in Switzerland. That’s because your body uses stomach acid to regulate the small number of viruses and bacteria present in this kind of water. However, if you’ve just had surgery or your immune system is weakened for any other reason, you need to boil tap water before using it for nasal irrigation.

3. Give everything a thorough clean

Obviously, this point is common practice, but after each use, you should clean your neti pot well. After all, you want to make sure that all the germs are gone so they don’t irritate your nose the next time you use it. Cleaning your kit afterwards helps prevent secondary infections and lets you enjoy nasal irrigation to the fullest – quite literally.

Sources:

Achilles, N., Mösges, R. (2013): Nasal Saline Irrigations for the Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis. In: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, Vol. 13. URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-013-0339-y

Harvey, R. et al. (2007): Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. In: Cochrane Database Systemic Reviews Vol. 18 Issue 3. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17636843/

Brauser, D. (2009): Daily Nasal Saline Irrigation Not Recommended for Long-Term Use. In: Medscape Medical News. URL: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712146

Baxter, A. et al. (2022): Rapid initiation of nasal saline irrigation to reduce severity in high-risk COVID+ outpatients. In: Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01455613221123737
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