I am always looking for new ways to optimize my well-being and in that process, I stumbled upon nasal rinsing. It seems that a lot of people like this kind of cleansing, so I had to try it.
The nasal cavities act as a filter for the air you breathe in and are filled with cilia. Their job is to catch pollen and impurities before they reach the lungs. This “air filter” is important for keeping the body healthy, but can also be a place where allergenic pollen and dust can accumulate over time.
In many Asian countries, it is just as normal to wash the nose in this way as it is to wash the rest of the body.
I’ve been using the nasal horn several times a week and have fallen in love with it. The first time you rinse your nose you have that great feeling of the free airway – a bit like if you take a strong menthol candy. There is just so much more “throughput” that you become addicted to using your nasal rinser.
Since the rinsing of your nose can cause some splashing of water I use it as part of my bathing routine.
How to use the nasal rinser
The way I use the nasal rinser is:
- Fill the nasal rinser jug 3/4 with cold water.
- Pour in salt with the included spoon.
- Pour to the brim with hot water from an electric kettle. Thus you get approx. 37 degrees.
- Stir with the back of the spoon until all the salt is dissolved.
- Go into the shower and put the horn’s spout against one nostril.
- Turn your head slowly and the water will run through your nasal cavities and out of the free nostril.
- When approximately half of the water is used, you put your finger on the nostril where the nasal rinse’s spout is and blow water, etc.! out of the free nostril.
- After a few calm breaths, the procedure is the same on the other nostril.
- Take a deep breath and enjoy the wonderful feeling of clean and free airways
Do not use lukewarm tap water, which could contain bacteria and other small insects that live in lukewarm water. That is most likely to occur in countries with primitive water distribution systems.
My preferred type of salt is sea salt. It does normally not contain an anti-caking agent, but there can be small impurities that you have to look out for.
To keep the nasal rinsing jug clean, I regularly give it a go in the microwave at 100% power with a little water in the bottom for about a minute. Be careful when you take it out, it is very hot. Let it cool and it is fresh and ready to use again.
I use the nasal rinse from Rhinohorn.dk, as the quality is top-notch. It is sold in danish pharmacies and I give it my best regards.
