Nasal Irrigation, Neti Pots and Jala Neti
Nasal irrigation (AKA: nasal lavage, saline lavage, saline irrigation, jala-neti) is the practice of cleansing one's nasal passages using salt water (saline). Nasal irrigation is known to have many sino-nasal health benefits, especially for those suffering from conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis. Nasal irrigation is safe and routinely prescribed by ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialists to aid recovery after sino-nasal surgery. Nasal irrigation can be performed in a number of different ways, some more effective than others.
Nasal irrigation is a completely natural treatment for sino-nasal conditions, but, unlike many other natural and alternative remedies, is supported by a wealth of clinical evidence to support its efficacy and safety.
The history of nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation has been practised for hundreds of years by yoga practitioners (yogis). In a practice known as jala-neti they poured (roughly isotonic) salt water through their nose from a neti-pot. In recent times, nasal irrigation has been studied through clinical trials and found to have many health benefits for those suffering from sino-nasal conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis.
The benefits of nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation has the obvious benefit of clearing away mucus allowing one to breathe more easily, but it also has benefits for those suffering from sino-nasal conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis, especially when performed with a hypertonic saline solution. Nasal irrigation can relieve many sino-nasal symptoms including nasal congestion and secretions, post-nasal drip, cough, headaches and can clear away encrusted mucus.
How nasal irrigation works
Whilst it's not yet entirely clear how nasal irrigation brings about such relief from sino-nasal symptoms it is possible to make an educated guess. The mechanisms put forward include, clearing away excess mucus, washing away allergens, decreasing swelling of the nasal lining, and increasing the rate at which mucus is cleared (mucociliary clearance).
Methods of performing nasal irrigation
Nowadays there are many different methods and devices for performing nasal irrigation (besides just neti-pots). Saline (salt water) can be delivered to the nasal passages by a spray, a stream (jala-neti) or simply by snorting it up. These delivery methods differ in comfort and convenience but importantly efficacy.
Jala-neti
Jala-neti is the traditional form of nasal irrigation. Salt water is passed through the nasal passages in a stream in one nostril and out the other. (Proper technique must be used to avoid saline running down the throat.) Jala-neti has the greatest evidence for efficacy when compared to other delivery methods. Jala-neti can be performed using a variety of devices, but most commonly a traditional neti-pot is used.
Neti-pots
Neti-pots come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made in a variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel, ceramic, glass and plastic. The different types of neti-pots each have the `pros' and `cons' (some with more `cons' than others!) and it is worth knowing them so that one can make an informed buying decision.
Salts & solutions for nasal irrigation
Jala-neti and nasal irrigation in general must be performed with saline solution (salt water). The salinity must at least match that of blood (isotonic), but there are benefits to using stronger, hypertonic solutions, though they come at the cost of comfort. Other additives are sometimes added to the saline solution such a pH buffers (in order to make the solution more closely match the pH of nasal mucus).
In general, hypertonic solutions should only be of benefit to those suffering from a sino-nasal condition such as rhinitis or sinusitis. Those who simply wish to incorporate nasal irrigation as a part of the daily hygiene regime in order to enjoy easier nasal breathing should stick to isotonic solutions for their superior comfort.