How to use a neti pot
The neti pot in the spring season is a wonderful way to clear the nasal passage, gets rid of allergies and helps keep mucus membranes clear of toxins. The neti pot can be incorporated with your morning routine after you brush your teeth, you can do it daily or 3-4 times a week if it feels like it is drying out your nasal passages. Contractions, if you have nasal polyps, or are prone to excessive nose bleeds.
What You’ll Need:
- Neti pot
- Distilled water
- Non-iodized salt
Remedy:
- Prepare the solution by mixing 1⁄4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt into about 1 cup (8oz) of warm distilled water, until it is fully dissolved. To prevent contamination, it is recommended that you use sterile water, such as distilled water. Once you have the solution mixed, pour it into the neti pot.
2. Stand in front of the sink. Tilt your head to one side so that one ear is facing down into the sink, and you can see the drain out of the corner of your eye. Angle your forehead slightly downward and sideways will be just about right.
3. Insert spout of neti pot gently into the upper nostril and create a seal between the pot and your nostril.
4. Raise the neti pot slowly to develop a steady flow of water through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril.
5. During the process, breathe through your mouth.
6. Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side.
7. Upon completion of the process, exhale gently several times to clear the nasal passages.
8. Clean your neti pot by simply washing out the pot with warm water and dish soap and rinsing thoroughly.
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Dry Brush (Garshana)
In Ayurveda the lymphatic system is the water of life referred to as Rasa. When the rasa is not flowing freely the mucus membranes become dry, losing the ability to resist disease. Dry brushing is part of an Ayurvedic routine and typically it’s done before you shower to remove dead skin cells.
Other benefits:
- Calms the nervous system and reduces stress
- Stimulates the lymphatic system
- Improves immune function by helping us circulate white blood cells
- Rejuvenates cells
- Prevents premature aging
- Supports natural detoxification
What you’ll need:
- Dry Brush
Ritual
- The best time to dry brush is right before your shower to open up your pores. You always stroke in the direction towards your heart using pressure that is as firm as you can handle. Start with your extremities- first with the bottoms of your feet and work up the ankles and legs all the way to your hips. Work your way towards the heart. Pay close attention to inner thighs, to help your lymphatic system.
2. Next move on to your arms again working your way towards your heart. Pay close attention to armpits (the added benefit of dry brushing is stimulating our lymphatic system, which relies on our muscle movement to circulate lymph fluid).
3. Use circular strokes on your joints such as elbows, knees, wrists, hips and shoulders.
4. Finally, work on your abdominal area. Working in a clockwise direction, brush until your skin is rosy and tingles a little. This can also help to stimulate our colon helping us with another step in the morning self care ritual (emptying the bowels).
5. Finally work on your chest and neck. This is delicate skin so you use care.
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