The use of the handkerchief dates back to the 16th century, but the entire physiological mechanism of nasal cleansing is prepared to evacuate secretions from the nostrils into the throat. When a lot of mucus builds up in the nasal cavity, you can choose to perform a nasal shower through a nostril and get the water and secretions out of the other pit.
Nasal washing is a personal hygiene practice that improves breathing. This technique removes dirt and other debris from the nasal passages, as water carries impurities. Sometimes you also hear the expression jala neti, which is a traditional practice of yoga that cleanses the nose through nasal irrigation. The word jala in Sanskrit (classic Indian language) means "water" and neti, "guide"; therefore, jala neti means guiding water through the nasal passages to clean them. Here's how it's done and what your benefits are.
Benefits of nasal shower or jala neti
- Helps evacuate secretions from the nose when it is plugged.
- It helps to reduce allergy symptoms by evacuating some of the allergens in contact with the nasal mucosa.
- Decreases the frequency of colds, evacuating secretions.
- It reduces the effects of sinusitis, it can even help cure them.
- Improves chronic rhinitis management.
- Prevents respiratory infections.
- It facilitates the management of snoring and sleep apneas.
- Humidifies the nasal mucosa, preventing dryness and wounds.
- Evacuate dirt.
- Improves nasal breathing.
How to do nasal washing correctly
To begin with, it is necessary to have a suitable utensil for the nasal shower. There are a multitude of neti jugs in the market. Most carry a spoon that will be very useful to be able to prepare the water with the right salinity for the Mucosa.
How to use a neti jug? The steps to follow are these (it is important to pay attention to the way it sounds):
- 1. The jug of warm water is filled.
- 2. Add a teaspoon of sea salt.
- 3. Removes to mix water and sea salt.
- 4. Tilt your head forward, place the funnel in one of the holes and turns his head to one side, until he perceives that the water passes to the other side.
- 5. Half the solution is poured into one nostril allowing it to come out the other, breathing through the mouth.
- 6. This process is repeated on the other side.
- 7. Gently remove the air from the nose to expel the rest of the water.
- 8. At the end of the process, it must be incorporated and dried.
- 9. Subsequently, it is important to gently sound the nose outwards without closing the two nostrils at once.
- 10. Finally, the nose must be sounded again, but inwards.
Strange as it may seem, what is commonly referred to as "surprising snot" is the most physiological way to eliminate secretions in excess of the nose. Using the handkerchief to wipe your nose it only dates back to the 16th century, coinciding with the first epidemics of contagious diseases in cities. The hair on the nose and everything the nasal cleansing mechanism is ready to evacuate the secretions of the nostrils towards the throat.
Beware of sounding quickly and loudly! He could hurt his ears.
Common errors and how to fix them
- The water reaches the throat and we can't breathe. Solution: flex your head more.
- The water doesn't come out the other way. Solutions: more flexible head, check that the jug duct is not against the septum or, if there is an excess of secretions, do several tests along the Day.
- We've finished the water and we still notice that the nostrils aren't clean. Solution: in this case we will repeat the process.
- When we sound, we notice that the ears are covered. Solutions: reduced strength and pressure by sounding, we prioritized the technique "surprise the nasal secretions" or we sound with the two holes nasals covered at the same time.
- They keep lowering water and secretions after a while of washing our noses. Solution: in this case we repeat the washing.
When to do a nasal wash and when it should not be done
A nasal wash should not be applied if a heavy nasal bleeding, after endoscopic nasal surgery or if have swallowing problems.
The best time to wipe your nose is every morning, at the start of the day, to keep the nostrils clean. It is also advisable to do so after being exposed to mites or allergen, if allergic, to reduce potential Symptoms. If you have sleep apnea, it is advisable to clean your nose before going to sleep.
For more information on respiratory infections, visit the Lovexair Foundation website or contact your healthcare professionals via mail: cuentanos@lovexair.com
Article publicat a "Eroski Consumer" amb la col-laborció de la Fundació Lovexair-sick respiratory.
http://www.consumer.es/web/es/salud/prevencion/2018/04/25/225944.php