Indications:

• The nasal lavage is a simple and effective home treatment for the following complaints:
• Sinus infections (acute or chronic)
• Nasal congestion
• Allergies to inhaled substances (dust, pollens, mold, etc.)
• Colds, flu
• Nasal passage irritation

For acute problems, perform the nasal wash up.to four times per day until resolved.  For chronic problems, it is usual to do the wash one or more times daily, continuing for several months.

Supplies:

• Salt sea salt is best
• Filtered or bottled water
• Container or bulb syringe
• Towel or wash cloth

Directions:
The technique, outlined below, may seem unusual at first. However, once learned, you will quickly realize how beneficial this technique is for sinus problems.

1)     Locate a workable container. The neti pot is specially designed with a spout that fits comfortably in one nostril. Alternatives you can use include a bulb syringe, a small flower pot, a turkey baster, or just a tea cup (though the latter will be messier).
2)     Fill the container with lukewarm salt water. The salt to water ratio is 1 teaspoon sea salt to 1 pint (2 cups) water. Filtered or bottled water is best.
3)     Have some tissues within reach for this next part. Over a sink, tilt your head forward so that you are looking directly down toward the sink. Insert the spout into your right nostril. It is important that you breath through your mouth. Turn your head to the right and let water move into the right nostril and exit the left nostril. Normally, you will feel the water as it passes through your sinuses. It is fine if some of the water drains into the mouth. Simply spit it out and adjust the tilt of your head.
4)     After using a cup of water, repeat the above procedure for the other nostril.
5)     To finish, expel any remaining water by quickly blowing air out both open nostrils 15 times over the sink. Avoid the temptation to block off one nostril, as doing so may force water into the eustachian tube.