5
Why cleanse your nose?
Nose cleansing
is a yoga practice known as
neti
,
which is rinsing your nose with lukewarm salt water
(isotonic solution; 0.9 % salt).
Neti is recommended
for alleviating nasal and
sinus disorders, improving nasal breathing, increasing
mental clarity, and as a preparation for yoga and
meditation.
Many people
cleanse their nose in the
morning as a refreshing start to the
day. Others prefer the benefits of neti
after coming home from work.
This simple practice
cleanses and
moistens the nasal passages
and mucous membranes.
On the surface of the mucous
membranes – present in the nostrils,
sinuses, trachea, bronchial tubes and
auditory canals (between the nose
and middle ear) – are microscopic
hairs called
cilia
. Nose cleansing stimulates
the cilia’s sweeping movements, which remove
phlegm, dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses.
This is one of the reasons
why neti helps in relieving
and preventing the common cold, sinusitis, asthma,
allergies and infections of the airways, as well
as problems caused by air pollution.
Dry environments
reduce the cilia’s effectiveness by
drying out the mucous membranes. Nose cleansing
restores their natural moisture and reduces swelling
of the mucous membranes, which causes nasal
congestion. Neti may be beneficial during pregnancy
and as prevention against snoring.
Nose cleansing stimulates and relaxes
the area
around the eyes and forehead. This may reduce
headaches caused by nervous tension. Some experience
clearer vision or an enhanced sense of smell.
Others find neti a useful aid to stop smoking.
When you do neti regularly
, breathing
through your nose becomes easier.
The incoming air is warmed and
filtered. Nitrogen monoxide, produced
in the sinuses, is carried with the
breath to the lungs, where
it dilates the blood vessels,
thus increasing oxygen uptake.
In many countries
nose cleansing
is an age–old folk remedy for
preventing the common cold.
In the early 20th century, pots and
sprays for nose cleansing were available
at chemist shops around Europe. This practice
fell into disuse until the 1970s, when it was revived
through the increased interest in yoga.
Today many doctors
have discovered the benefits of
neti and recommend its regular use.
”Nasal rinsing improves your general state of health.
The more regularly you rinse your nose, the better and
more sustained the health effects you achieve”. (Prof.
Thomas Schmidt, MD, Hannover Medical University)
